The Truro and the District Branch of Cats Protection have announced this week that it will be closing its doors. A date for its closure has not been given yet, although it is expected to be imminent.
Volunteers at the branch are said to be “very sad and upset” that the branch is closing, which is reported as a decision made by the national management of the charity.
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In a newsletter sent to volunteers and friends of the branch, it explains that Cats Protection management has been looking to change branches by exploring other models such as a Cat Action Team (CAT) working in the west of Cornwall, focusing on Trap Neuter Return (TRN), which the management said might be better to support the local area.
It also wants to look at having “closer relations between branches and centres, and a one charity view.”
Under this new model, fosterers would support the Cornwall Adoption Centre, but not be part of a branch.
However, it goes on to add: “Sadly, last week the coordinator received written notice that the Truro & District Branch was to be closed down.
“We were informed, however, that some volunteering opportunities would still be there.”
In an emotional statement in the newsletter, the team at the branch have spoken of their sadness at the closure news. They wrote: “There were quite a few tears shed at the fayre and disbelief at what was happening.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to explain as it was not our decision. Cats Protection is still making decisions about the new model, we know other volunteering posts will be available.
“Thank you, everyone, for all your support, especially all of you who have volunteered to do admin, driving, finance, fostering, foster support, fundraising, media, newsletter, secretarial or have been loyal members. Every one of you in fact.”
The newsletter also recognises some of the achievements of volunteers over the years.
This has included the Truro and District Branch purchasing the land and bungalow, and having plans drawn up, to build the Adoption Centre at Point, Carnon Downs.
The branch adds: “Truro and District Branch has fostered, cared for and homes so many cats and kittens over the years.
“One of the years before lockdown we homed 78 cats and kittens and were asked by Cats Protection what we did to be so successful! Other branches wanted to know our secret – no secret just dedicated fosterers, volunteers, and vets plus good organisation on our part.
“During a five-year period, we have neutered 3,145 cats and kittens, neutered 540 feral cats and kittens which were then returned to their home on the farm of similar environments.
“It has been an honour and pleasure to have met and worked alongside so many of you.”
Libby Jepson, Cats Protection’s Operations Manager for the South West, said: “It is always a sad occasion when we need to close one of our branches and our Truro Branch has been a long-standing, well-respected part of the community, caring for cats for almost 40 years.
“This is therefore not a decision we have taken lightly; however, the branch has struggled to recruit volunteers, particularly fosterers, in recent years and has been primarily focused on neutering and fundraising activities.
“After careful consideration of the branch’s greatest strengths and the need in the local area, we are consequently planning to redevelop the branch into a new Cat Action Team which will cover Truro and eventually expand across Cornwall as part of our ongoing commitment to cat welfare in the South West.
“Cat Action Teams focus on neutering as well as supporting lost, found, stray and community cats.”
Libby continues: “Members of the public wishing to rehome or adopt cats may still continue to do so through our Cornwall Adoption Centre in Carnon Downs as well as our Falmouth, Helston & District, St Austell & District and Launceston & District branches.
“We know this is a difficult time for our volunteers, many of whom have provided years of dedication to local cats.
“We hope that any of them who wish to continue volunteering for Cats Protection will take up one of the many opportunities we have available. We are also keen to hear from anyone who may be interested in a volunteering role within Cats Protection by calling 03000 12 12 12 or visiting www.cats.org.uk/support-us/get-involved-volunteering.”