However, a funding crisis has brought about a change in this policy for the very first time. Instead they’ll be focusing on caring for animals which have been seized from owners who have treated them badly.

A spokesman for the RSPCA has denied that this goes against the charity’s core mission:

“Our highest priority is to look after the animals that most need help, the pets and other animals rescued by our inspectors from cruelty and neglect. That is the RSPCA’s core aim and that has not changed.”

The new rules come into force across 17 RSPCA centres, although a further 41 independently run centres will be able to choose themselves whether to follow the policy.

The decision has been blamed on two factors – falling donations because of the recession along with a growing trend for owners to discard unwanted pets, as a spokesman for RSPCA highlighted:

“We must look to the cause of the increasing number of unwanted dogs, cats and exotic animals. The recession perhaps has had some impact but there is a growing trend for people to buy animals as status symbols and indeed it is all too easy to take on a pet without realising the responsibilities for the care and welfare of that animal.”

The change in RSPCA’s stance is going to put increasing pressure on other animal charities, at a time when donations are low across the charity sector.

However, as of yet no other animal charities have changed their policy on stray animals. The Chief Executive of Blue Cross, Kim Hamilton, says:

“Many thousands of animals are given up every year by loving owners who simply can’t cope for a variety of reasons… the Blue Cross will always help people who make the responsible choice to give up their pet and will continue to do all that we can to help as many abandoned animals as possible find permanent, loving new homes.”

Hopfully as the economy picks up later on the year donations will increase and RSPCA may be able to reverse their decision.

Sharon Robinson, who volunteers at the Northiam centre, said:

“The feeling in the area is very emotional at the moment. We have gone from shock to anger and outrage. The centre has been ticking on nicely for 50 years and I think they are being very short-sighted.”

However, The Blue Cross has replied by saying that the centres are “outdated and no longer fit for purpose.”

The Felixstowe Centre was opened back in 1970 and had a major refurbishment as recently as 1999. It mainly cares for abandoned dogs and cats. At Northiam a number of different animals are cared for, including 30 horses which will be rehoused.

The current state of the economy has put a huge strain on The Blue Cross over the past year, with Chief executive Kim Hamilton saying:

“Our charitable funds are becoming increasingly stretched, especially in the current financial climate, while animal welfare issues across the country are changing.”

It looks unlikely that they’ll change their mind based on the outcry from volunteers and campaigns but we’ll keep you updated on the status of the two centres.