THE RSPCA has started a consultation about the future of its loss-making animal centre in Bradford.

Staff at the RSPCA Bradford & District Branch’s animal centre and the welfare clinic in Mount Street will be consulted about the plans until September 26, when a final decision on the centre’s future will be announced.

The RSPCA has revealed the animal centre and clinic, which cost £608,167 to run last year, cannot continue to its current level after recording “operational deficits” for a number of years and has relied on legacy income which it says is now in decline.

A total of 13 people are employed at the site’s animal centre and three at the clinic, in a mixture of full and part-time roles.

Staff at the centre were unable to comment when contacted by the Telegraph & Argus yesterday.

A RSPCA spokesman said: “Unfortunately, the branch has recorded operational deficits for a number of years and has increasingly relied on legacy income which is now in decline.

“It has therefore become increasingly difficult to meet the operating costs of the centre and clinic. Sadly the position has continued to deteriorate throughout this year and the most recent management accounts show the branch cannot continue to operate at the current level.

“In addition, the animal centre needs substantial investment to bring it up to the standards necessary for moving forwards and the funds for this are simply not available.

“Operation of the branch charity shops is continuing unchanged at this time so that we can continue to help local animals in the best way possible and we’d like to urge people to continue to donate to, and support, them.

“It is with great sadness that we are considering the loss of this centre and clinic.”

The animal centres takes in the most abused and neglected animals in the Bradford district from RSPCA officers, and cares for them until they can be rehomed.

The clinic provides reduced cost veterinary treatment, neutering and microchipping for pet owners in the area.

The number of pet animals taken in by the branch has decreased year-on-year for the past three years, and the downward trend continued during the first six months of 2016.

The centre took in 316 pet animals last year, 448 in 2014 and 572 in 2013.

The number of welfare treatments provided by staff at the clinic last year was 620; 1,888 in 2014 and 5,696 in 2013.

The spokesman added that contingency plans would be in place for animals in need in Bradford if it was decided to shut the centre.

He said: “Please be reassured that should these proposals become a reality, we will do all we can to make sure there are contingency plans for the animals in need in the area so that they continue to receive the care and treatment they need.

“This review does not impact on the work of the national RSPCA inspectorate and officers will continue to be active in dealing with sick, injured, abandoned and abused animals in Bradford and the surrounding areas.”

Bradford East Labour MP Imran Hussain, whose constituency includes Mount Street, said he was concerned about the impact on the welfare of animals if the Mount Street centre was to close and he would be writing to the RSPCA.

He said: “I have just learned about this and will be feeding into the consultation and asking questions about what would happen to the existing animals and what other facilities may be available.

“The RSPCA provides a valuable service for the welfare of animals and this is the main animal sanctuary in Bradford.

“I intend to write a letter to the RSPCA asking for more information.”

The RSPCA has confirmed that its charity shops, including those in Godwin Street, James Street and Piccadilly in Bradford, will continue to operate as normal during the consultation period.

l Comment - Page 10