Creuse rescue dogs home needs €400k to rebuild
The SPA dog refuge centre at Saint-Sulpice-le-Guérétois in the Creuse is facing closure unless it can raise €440,000 towards the building of a new centre.
The old kennel block and offices were built in 1965 and no longer conform to new regulations. Locals have complained about the noise from the barking dogs and SPA Creuse have been told they will have to close if they cannot rebuild.
The project will cost €840,000 and although the association has already put €400,000 aside, it needs further donations to raise the balance.
Faye Jones has been a volunteer for nearly a year and says she doesn’t know what will happen to the dogs if the centre closes.
“We are the only one in the department. Our president works really hard and so do her dedicated team of employees and volunteers to care for the dogs and to fight to keep the centre open.”
In 2015 the refuge took in 114 dogs and found homes for 90 of them. So far this year we have already found families for 47.
“Our only problem is very out-dated buildings and if you visit you can see just how run down the place is. The refuge has become really close to my heart and it would be terrible if it had to close,” added Mrs Jones.
Plans for the new centre include 56 soundproof boxes which conform to new regulations. It will be built in an arc so that the dogs will not be in kennels in long lines facing each other which encourages them to bark, particularly when people walk down the corridor between them.
The SPA hope to start on building work as soon as possible and will demolish the existing centre little by little so that the dogs will still have somewhere to live during the works. Volunteers are raising money in every way they can, holding a number of events and holding a number of vide greniers during the summer.
Mrs Jones says there are a growing number of British volunteers and the SPA would welcome anyone else who would like to join.
“There is a very good British contingent and I have made some very good friends both British and French. We’re always looking for volunteers to help walk the dogs. You can get in touch via the website and your email will be forwarded to me.”
Donation can also be made via the website www.spa-creuse.com
