Local cat rescue team devastated

A LOCAL cat rescue charity has issued an appeal for a new premises after having its dream of opening a new centre in Phibsboro shattered. 

Phibsboro Cat Rescue (PCR) had just started operating from its new Hidden Haven base on the Royal Canal Bank at rear of the former Silver Skate Rink site, but they now have to vacate the property.

Over a recent three week period, the local feline charity had successfully raised €4,000 in cash for their new centre and have been promised around €2,000 worth of materials and labour.

However, earlier this month the charity was suddenly told, much to their surprise, that the site is to be redeveloped and is no longer available to them.

Founder of PCR, Katy Falkingham, said she was shocked to learn the site was unavailable.

“This totally unexpected bombshell has left us all feeling a little dazed and confused,” she said.

“We have to stay positive and dig deep to find the resolve to keep going, or what chance is there for the poor, neglected cats we help?”

PCR volunteer, Rebecca O’Neill, said the team have been trying to digest the news and come up with a new game plan.

“We just have to pick ourselves up and keep going,” she told Northside People.

“To say that we are devastated is an understatement. We have given so much in terms of time, effort, and hard work into finding and starting work on the Haven, to have that all taken away is a serious blow.

“We are working hard to keep morale up, but it can be very hard in the face of such disappointment. 

“We refuse to give up, if there is any chance that we can make this dream a reality, we will pursue it. We appeal to anyone who can help us secure a new site to contact us.”

PCR is now appealing to local businesses, property owners or anybody with unused space in or around the Phibsboro to come forward to ensure group’s plans, fundraising efforts and hard work are not for nothing.

The charity is open to moving to commercial premises, industrial units, vacant storage spaces or empty buildings, and is not necessarily looking for somewhere suitable for animals as volunteers currently foster rescued cats in their own homes until they can be homed.

“The main thing for us is that we have somewhere to store all our donations and all the various equipment that we have,” Rebecca told Northside People.

Vital items used by the charity such as traps, crates, carriers, food and medical supplies are currently spread all across the city, in the spare rooms, hallways, and utility rooms of dedicated but overstretched PCR volunteers.

The planned Hidden Haven in Phibsboro was going to provide crucial centralised storage so that all of these supplies could be distributed in an efficient and timely manner.

PCR have helped over 700 cats through its Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) work and fostering programmes since forming as a group of unpaid volunteers in August 2014.

Local vets have reported that they have seen a dramatic reduction in the number of homeless cats and unwanted kittens in the area since PCR started their work.

PCR has also built up a network of fosterers across Dublin, who tame and socialise homeless cats and kittens so that they be adopted into loving forever homes.

If you can help PCR in finding a premises for their equipment and work call 085-1469991 or email [email protected].