Vital event to help cat rescue centre survive amid deepening pets crisis in Bradford

Allerton Cat Rescue, which was founded by Brenda Satterley at her home on Allerton Road, has come to the aid of thousands of abandoned and neglected animals for more than four decades.

Brenda said she is currently “absolutely inundated” with cats in need and has had to consider stopping taking in new admissions.

To help the shelter continue with its important work - including paying for veterinary bills - a table top sale and raffle is due to take place at 258 Allerton Road between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday, September 16.

Brenda, 73, said: “I’m really struggling to cope with the demand - I’m looking after around 200 cats at the moment - and I’m so worried for the future of the shelter.

“You’ve no idea what we’re up against - it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

“Some of the cats are in a really bad way and require urgent veterinary attention - recently we had one with mastitis which caused its teats to explode.

“We need people’s support now more than ever - and one of the ways people can really help us is by coming to this weekend’s fundraiser.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their support and we hope we can continue to be around for many more years to come.”

Rescuers like dedicated Brenda have been warning about Bradford’s deepening cat crisis for many years.

The pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis, alongside high levels of neglect, cruelty and a lack of neutering, are all thought to be contributing to the problem.

In a statement earlier this year, Allerton Cat Rescue said: “We are sad to say we are on the verge of collapse and closure.

“We can’t go on like this and if something doesn’t change we will have to close the doors which will have a devastating effect on the cats of Bradford.”

Brenda rescued her first cat at the age of seven and for more than 40 years has given part of her house over to cats in need of loving homes.

She was given a lifetime achievement award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2002.

For more information about Allerton Cat Rescue and to find out other ways you can help it, visit www.allertoncatrescue.co.uk or search for Allerton Cat Rescue on Facebook.