News
Green Shoots at Little Valley – Working Towards A Phased Re-Opening of the Shelter
30th June 2020
Finally, three months after lockdown and following government advice, we are at last working towards a phased re-opening of Little Valley Animal Shelter to the general public. The re-opening process is likely to take time as we need to make sure that everything required is in place to provide maximum safety to all those visiting or working at the shelter. We will provide further updates on opening timescales on our website/social media, but rest assured all of us at Little Valley (including our animals!) are really looking forward to the re-opening and getting back to some semblance of normality.
Throughout lockdown we have continued to accept many animals from the RSPCA inspectorate but sadly, as you know, in compliance with government requirements and despite the fact our shelter has remained closed to the general public, we have been very busy behind the scenes. A large number of our animals have been temporarily fostered and, because we were also desperate to rehome, we worked very hard to develop a safe way to do this via our website and social media (details of animals who are looking for new homes); phone calls (to make sure that our animals were a good match); completing Perfect Match forms (online) and finally staff taking pets to their new loving homes. It goes without saying that all staff abided by social distancing throughout the rehoming process (and of course in their other day-to-day work). As you can imagine this new emergency adoption process takes a little longer and as a consequence the number of animals we have rehomed has fallen away slightly, but the process has worked well and has allowed over 80 animals to start a new life in their forever homes.
The last few months have been a challenging time for Little Valley, but our teams have pulled together to ensure that all our animals have continued to receive the best care and love they need. We have also had the unusual situation where on some occasions animal numbers have been lower than normal due to lockdown, but this has allowed our animals to have extra care and comfort as well as helped to reduce the pressure on our staff.
Our shops, again in accordance with government requirements, have also been closed since the end of March. This has had a devastating impact on Little Valley as our retail shops are one of our main sources of income. To further compound the situation, and despite the shops being closed, we have still had to pay running costs in terms of services and rent etc.
With the easing of lockdown measures we have now tentatively and very safely re-opened two of our shops, one in Budleigh Salterton High Street and the other in Cowick Street in Exeter. We are hoping that our customers will return as if the re-opening is successful in terms of income raised, we hope to reopen our other shops over the next few months.
In view of the continuing lockdown restrictions our AGM, shelter open days and numerous other fundraising events have all had to be cancelled. The only positive during this sad and difficult time has been the tremendous generosity and kindness of our supporters. All of us at Little Valley have been so humbled and amazed by your donations and gifts – thank you so, so much.
As we start to emerge out of lockdown our running costs are increasing, and we really need your support more than ever. If you could find it in your hearts to once again support us in whatever way you can, we would be so very grateful as we know that once we open our doors fully to the public we will see a surge in animals that need our care and support, which will further increase our running costs.
Finally, I wanted to take this opportunity to reassure our supporters that although the last few months have been a very challenging time for us all, Little Valley has weathered the storm and remains stable and strong, and with your continued support we will remain that way in the future.
Hugh Lowson
Chief Executive Officer
Coronavirus Update
16th April 2020
It is now nearly four weeks since we sadly closed for visitors. It has been a really difficult time and your generous support has been so encouraging and vital – thank you.
It seems that the Government’s help for charities that was announced last week offers absolutely no help for animal charities including Little Valley. I understand that those charities working on the frontline for coronavirus will be a priority, but I do wish there was a resilience fund for others in the charitable sector dealing with the knock-on effect of this situation such as us.
We are still very busy at Little Valley and we are currently caring for almost 100 animals, but with all our retail shops closed and no adoption fees we are now unable to generate the funds to run Little Valley. Our insurance doesn’t cover this kind of thing and with all our other external fundraising gone; we are more worried for the future than ever. After nearly 30 years on our current site, Little Valley will always continue to try and do the best we can for animals in need for as long as we can and just keep hoping we will get through it.
In the middle of all this, pets of those taken ill or worse will be at huge risk and animal charities will be asked to help. We will respond where we can and we are still taking pets from those in dire need from both our local community and from the RSPCA inspectors. We have a number of dogs and cats in our kennels at the moment that are from extremely difficult backgrounds and need very special care. We are also providing advice by phone to people struggling to cope with their pets at this time. Finally, at a time when shopping can be difficult, we are providing pet supplies in the local area to ensure people’s pets get everything they need.
Thank you for all your support. You are helping us so much and it means the world. Let’s all hope that we will manage to pull through these tough times. Whether it’s donating via to our Coronavirus Emergency Appeal, ordering vital items via our Amazon Wishlist or just your lovely messages of support, it all really counts.
Everyone at Little Valley sends you their very best wishes at this time.
Hugh Lowson
Chief Executive Officer
EMERGENCY CORONAVIRUS APPEAL
3rd April 2020
Please help us to take care of the animals in the Shelter throughout the Coronavirus crisis
I hope you are all keeping well and safe in these worrying times.
Despite all that is going on, I wanted to reassure you that our dedicated and caring staff are continuing to look after the animals at the Shelter and we will continue to support the RSPCA Inspectors with any animal emergencies they may have.
Little Valley is an independent, separately registered charity from the main RSPCA and receives no funding from them or the Government towards it’s running costs, which are in the region of £3,000 per day. However, this current crisis means we are now facing a massive funding shortfall. Like all charities, we have had to close our charity shops – our main source of funding, suspend animal adoptions and cancel vital fundraising events.
Donations are at an all time low and some food supplies are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive and deliveries are taking far longer to reach us. It truly is devastating and somehow, with your support, we need to ensure that we can continue to care for the animals who desperately need our help at the Shelter and in the future.
We are appealing to our loyal supporters to kindly consider helping us through this crisis by making a donation, whatever you can afford.
PLEASE DONATE NOW
Online Donations
You can donate via Paypal (you do not need a Paypal account) using the links on our website.
Phone Donations
You can also donate by card over the phone on 01392 439898 (11am-4pm every day except Wednesdays).
Cash or Cheque Donations
You can send us a cheque made payable to RSPCA South East & West Devon Branch to RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter, Black Hat Lane, Bakers Hill, Exeter EX2 9TA.
Bank Transfer
You can donate straight into our account using the following details, marked EMERGENCY APPEAL:
Account Name: RSPCA South East & West Devon Branch
Account No: 00823295
Sort Code: 56-00-49
Food Donations
We have food donation boxes in local supermarkets at Tesco Exmouth, Sainsbury’s in Alphington Exeter and Tesco Honiton.
You can also buy much-needed items from our Amazon wishlists – Amazon are having delivery and supply problems and are not always the most cost-effective, but you can at least see the sort of items we need right now if you would like to source these items elsewhere and get them delivered to us:
DOGS: http://amzn.eu/3SaOVPc
CATS: http://amzn.eu/23RCM4m
SMALL ANIMALS: http://amzn.eu/fUIjm2h
Whatever you can do to help Little Valley and our animals is greatly appreciated.
We are also grateful for all the messages of support and donations we have started to receive.
On behalf of the animals and all the staff at Little Valley, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued generous support. PLEASE KEEP WELL AND STAY SAFE.
Thank you.
Hugh Lowson
Chief Executive Officer
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Response
25th March 2020
Following the Government’s current guidelines and restrictions to try and slow the spread of COVID-19, we are having to make the tough and sad decision to close Little Valley to the public until further notice. This is a temporary measure until the current crisis has passed. We have over 100 animals at Little Valley right now and we hope that by protecting our essential staff, we will be able to continue caring for all the animals that rely on us.
Animal Shelter
Unfortunately, that means will have to suspend further adoptions at this time in order to keep our staff safe.
Our staff are working tirelessly behind closed doors making sure that all our animals receive the same level of care, support and love that we are known for – Little Valley = Big Heart.
Getting In Touch
Although we are closed to the public, our phone lines will still be open from 11am until 4pm every day except Wednesdays. If you need help or advice, please get in touch via phone on 01392 439898 or email on info@rspca-littlevalley.org.uk.
If you have an emergency please call the RSPCA National Control Centre on 0300 1234 999.
Charity Shops
Sadly we have also had to close all our shops, which will have a very serious impact on Little Valley as we rely on our shops to provide some of the much needed income to run our animal shelter. We receive no funding from the Government and no direct funding from the RSPCA. We will, of course, keep all our supporters updated as the situation unfolds but we are sure you will agree, these are extraordinary and difficult times for everyone.
Events
We will inevitably have to cancel or postpone a number of events that we had planned for the spring and early summer and possibly beyond. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for details.
Volunteers
We know lots of you have been kindly offering to volunteer to help us at this time, but sadly we have had to cancel all our volunteers coming into the Shelter for the foreseeable future in order to safeguard everyone.
We have always been amazed by the wonderful support Little Valley receives from our local community and we really are truly grateful.
We know that everyone is affected by the speed with which COVID-19 has taken hold and many of our supporters may find themselves in a position of real uncertainty. But if you can spare anything at this time, perhaps the cost of your normal morning high street coffee or money you have saved on petrol if working from home, Little Valley needs you now more than ever before.
Latest Newsletter – March 2020
22nd March 2020
The March edition of the newsletter is now available.
Message from CEO, Hugh Lowson:
About a month ago we created our Spring newsletter, keeping you all up to date with what has been happening at Little Valley Animal Shelter. At the time this was written, everything was looking rosy and positive and we were looking forward to exciting times ahead with many events planned.
Since that time Covid-19 has rocked the world and all our lives have been turned upside down. As a result of this and the Government’s latest advice, I write to advise you that Little Valley Animal Shelter is now closed to the public until further notice. Sadly, and again in line with the Government’s instructions, we have also had to close all our shops.
All the events mentioned in our newsletter will be put on hold for the time being, but please do check our website and Facebook page for updates.
Please bear with us during these difficult times. Our animals need your support more now than ever before. Anything you are able to give to help us through the current health crisis would be greatly appreciated. Meanwhile, keep safe and stay home.
You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Latest Newsletter – Oct 2019
15th November 2019
The October edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Latest Newsletter – July 2019
31st July 2019
The July edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Adrian Donno Award
2nd July 2019
The Adrian Donno award is the opportunity to recognise and honour those who help to make the lives of animals better through kindness, courage, determination and exceptional contributions to animal welfare. Our Animal Care Assistant, Kerry Dustan, has been presented with the Adrian Donno award in recognition of her outstanding dedication and initiative in furthering the cause of animal welfare The photo shows Glenn Mayoll, RSPCA Regional Operations Manager (South & South West), Kerry and Branch Chairman Carol Allan.
2018 Accounts
23rd May 2019
Please find attached our accounts for 2018 below:
Notice Calling An AGM – 19 June 2019
17th May 2019
Latest Newsletter – February 2019
13th March 2019
The February edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
East Devon Pet Supplies
22nd February 2019
A huge thank you to East Devon Pet Supplies who regularly donate items to the Shelter – thank you! We are very grateful. Check out their website and also their Facebook page.
Exeter Living Awards 2019
25th January 2019
We are delighted to be announced as a finalist in the “Charities” category of the Exeter Living Awards 2019.
Kennel Rebuild Update – November 2018
30th November 2018
We are now using the first new kennel block and two more of our old blocks have been torn down. So we are using the new kennel block and our old block A only. All this rain hasn’t helped but we are getting there!
If you would like to donate towards the cost of this large project to upgrade our 28 year old crumbling kennels, you can donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ChristmasKennelRebuildCampaign2018
Thank you for your support.
Latest Newsletter – October 2018
31st October 2018
The October edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Kennel Rebuild Update – October 2018
31st October 2018
We hope the first rebuilt kennel block will be handed over to use soon so we can use it. Insides are being finalised on the second block and we have just handed over our old C block for demolition so that the third kennel block can be started!
If you would like to donate towards the cost of this large project to upgrade our 28 year old crumbling kennels, there are donation links on the right hand side of this page – JustTextGiving and Paypal Donate – or you can send a cheque directly to the Shelter. Thank you for your support.
Kennel Rebuild Update – September 2018
30th September 2018
The finishing touches are being put on the first kennel block with a view to handing it over to us for use very soon! The roof is going on the second block and soon they will want us to hand over C block for them to demolish and rebuild!
If you would like to donate towards the cost of this large project to upgrade our 28 year old crumbling kennels, there are donation links on the right hand side of this page – JustTextGiving and Paypal Donate – or you can send a cheque directly to the Shelter. Thank you for your support.
Kennel Rebuild Update – August 2018
30th August 2018
The first kennel block is taking shape and is nearly finished. Work on the second block is well underway!
If you would like to donate towards the cost of this large project to upgrade our 28 year old crumbling kennels, there are donation links on the right hand side of this page – JustTextGiving and Paypal Donate – or you can send a cheque directly to the Shelter. Thank you for your support.
Kennel Rebuild Update – July 2018
25th July 2018
We have a roof on the first rebuilt kennel block and internal works are in progress. And the second block has been started! It feels real now – it’s actually happening!
If you would like to donate towards the cost of this large project to upgrade our 28 year old crumbling kennels, there are donation links on the right hand side of this page – JustTextGiving and Paypal Donate – or you can send a cheque directly to the Shelter. Thank you for your support.
2017 Accounts
30th May 2018
Please find attached our accounts for 2017 below:
Latest Newsletter – May 2018
4th May 2018
The May edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Kennel Rebuild Update – May 2018
1st May 2018
The kennel rebuild goes on, despite delays due to the recent snow and then the endless rain, which created a sea of mud! Slowly, the empty site is beginning to resemble something that looks like a building. The bridge is now completed, timed just right before the snow came. The groundworks for the first block have been hampered by wet weather but it is now gaining height and the design is finally coming to life. Concrete base done, inner skins in and actual brickwork happening! If the better weather stays in place, the builders can get back on track.
If you would like to donate towards the cost of this large project to upgrade our 28 year old crumbling kennels, there are donation links on the right hand side of this page – JustTextGiving and Paypal Donate – or you can send a cheque directly to the Shelter. Thank you for your support.
Latest Newsletter – January 2018
31st January 2018
The January edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Kennel Rebuild Begins – January 2018
20th January 2018
The rebuilding of our outdated kennel blocks has started – Whittakers from Honiton have moved on site! We are rebuilding most of the dog accommodation by knocking down three blocks and rebuilding four blocks. D block has been demolished and the foundations of the new block have been started.The bridge is also coming along over by intake cattery.
If you would like to donate towards the cost of this large project to upgrade our 28 year old crumbling kennels, there are donation links on the right hand side of this page – JustTextGiving and Paypal Donate – or you can send a cheque directly to the Shelter. Thank you for your support.
Latest Newsletter – October 2017
26th October 2017
The October edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Latest Newsletter – July 2017
11th August 2017
The July edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
2016 Accounts
6th June 2017
Please find attached our accounts for 2016 below:
Latest Newsletter – May 2017
2nd June 2017
The May edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Latest Newsletter – January 2017
23rd February 2017
The January edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Latest Newsletter – October 2016
29th November 2016
The October edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Latest Newsletter – July/August 2016
1st September 2016
The July/August edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Latest Newsletter – May 2016
18th May 2016
The May edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
2015 Accounts
17th May 2016
Please find attached our accounts for 2015 in pdf format below:
Latest Newsletter – February 2016
25th February 2016
The February edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
Latest Newsletter – October 2015
26th October 2015
Please find below a link to a free pdf of our latest newsletter. This edition includes all the round up from our successful Big Walkies event on 27 September 2015 – enjoy!
Pat Pollock – Trustee
4th September 2015
It is with great sadness that we have to report the death on 27 August of a great supporter of Little Valley, Pat Pollock, who was also a Trustee and the Budleigh Shop Manager.
The Funeral Service will be held in St Peter’s Chapel, Exeter Crematorium, on Thursday 10 September 2015 at 2.45pm. Family flowers only please.
Donations in Pat’s memory should be made to RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter and/or Hospiscare Exmouth by retiring collection or to Richard W Gegg & Sons, Funeral Directors,47 Rolle Street, Exmouth EX8 2RS.
Daphne Absalom – Honorary Branch President
18th August 2015
It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Daphne Absalom, Honorary Branch President, passed away on 12 August 2015.
Daphne was instrumental in finding the site that Little Valley currently occupies and will be greatly missed by all at the Shelter.
There will be a Memorial Service at Dunchideock Church (following a private family committal at the Crematorium) on Friday 28 August at 3pm. This will be followed by light refreshments at the Lord Haldon Hotel.
Daphne’s sister, Thelma, extends an invitation to all Daphne’s friends and those who knew her over the years.
Latest Newsletter – August 2015
1st August 2015
Please find below a link to a free pdf of our latest newsletter. This edition includes all the round up from our incredibly successful Shelter Day on 28 June 2015 – enjoy!
Latest Newsletter – May 2015
21st May 2015
The May edition of the newsletter is now available. You can download a pdf here – enjoy!
2014 Accounts
7th May 2015
Please find attached our accounts for 2014 in pdf format below:
Thank You to Tug-E-Nuff
23rd April 2015
Those great folks at Tug-E-Nuff have kindly donated us some of their brilliant bungee toys for the dogs in our care. It’s not easy being a dog in kennels, it can get pretty boring at times waiting for your new family to come along and choose you, so any toys that are tough enough to take too much doggy love are perfect to keep our canines occupied. Thank you!
Thank You to RS Groundworks Ltd
22nd April 2015
We have had another huge donation for our dog sensory garden project, this time lots of compost, bark chippings, sand and fixings from the wonderful RS Groundworks Ltd, who recently adopted Toby the dog from us. Thank you! All these donations means we will be starting work on the dog sensory garden in the next few weeks – we are very excited!
Thank You to Buildbase Exeter
12th April 2015
Buildbase Exeter have been extremely generous to us and donated some much-needed items for our dog sensory garden, which we will be building in one of our dog compounds. Thank you Buildbase, we can now make a start on this project! We will keep you updated with progress and photos.
Thank You to Hot Rock Design & Print
10th April 2015
Hot Rock Design & Print Solutions very kindly designed and printed our Shelter Day posters for FREE! We are overwhelmed – and they look fantastic. Look out for them in our shops, at the Shelter and around the area. Thank you again Hot Rock!
Thank You to Thomson Reuters Digita
11th February 2015
Thomson Reuters Digita of Exmouth have once again donated some wonderful computers to us here at the Shelter. It wasn’t that long ago that we only had ONE computer! Now we have quite a number, allowing us to move swiftly into the computer age! Thank you for your kind generosity.
Latest Newsletter – January 2015
11th February 2015
Our latest newsletter is out now. For those of you not a member of our Friends, you can now see the latest newsletter on the link below. Great news – our cover star, the beautiful Japanese Akita Kimiko, is now reserved! We hope she will be going to her new home very soon. We hope you enjoy this latest edition.
If you have any stories about any Little Valley animals for future editions, please contact us.
Latest Newsletter – October 2014
7th November 2014
Our latest newsletter is out now. For those of you not a member of our Friends, you can now see the latest newsletter on the link below. Enjoy.
If you have any stories about any Little Valley animals for future editions, please contact us.
Thank you to DartExe Ltd
7th November 2014
We would like to say a huge thank you to DartExe Ltd for kindly donating a new colour photocopier when our old one died. We just called them to see if they could fix our old one (they couldn’t – it has gone to the photocopier graveyard) but when Clive Barnett, a Director of DartExe, found out who we were he instantly said he could help with a donation of a replacement. Thank you Clive and all at DartExe Ltd. Top people!
Latest Newsletter – August 2014
8th September 2014
Our latest newsletter is out now. For those of you not a member of our Friends, you can now see the latest newsletter on the link below. Enjoy.
If you have any stories about any Little Valley animals for future editions, please contact us.
Latest Newsletter – May 2014
7th June 2014
Our new newsletter is now out. For those of you not a member of our Friends, you can now see the latest newsletter on the link below. Enjoy.
If you have any stories about any Little Valley animals for future editions, please contact us.
2013 Accounts
7th May 2014
Please find attached our accounts for 2013 in pdf format below:
Thank You to Thomson Reuters Digita
11th April 2014
Little Valley would like to say a huge thank you to Thomson Reuters Digita of Exmouth for the donation of some computers and a colour photocopier. These will be a huge help to us.
Latest Newsletter – February 2014
10th March 2014
Our new newsletter is now out. For those of you not a member of our Friends, you can now see the latest newsletter on the link below. Enjoy.
If you have any stories about any Little Valley animals for future editions, please contact us.
Giveacar
10th March 2014
We have teamed up with Giveacar to raise more money!
Do you own a vehicle that you want to sell or get rid of? Then please think about donating it to us through Giveacar! Giveacar raises money for UK charities by scrapping and selling old cars. They provide a nationwide FREE service which:
- Arranges the collection of the vehicle from your home
- Depending on its age and condition, recycles it at an authorised facility or sends it to auction
Scrap donations raise about £100 for the charity (depending on the price of metal) while auction cars can raise much more.
To arrange donation of a car, visit www.giveacar.co.uk or call 020 7736 4242, quoting RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter as your preferred charity.
Amazon Wishlists
22nd May 2013
If you fancy donating to us but don’t want to send money, how about buying something for the animals at Little Valley from our Amazon wishlist? We have set up 3 wishlists — one for dogs, one for cats and the other for small animals. They list lots of items that our animals really like, such as treats and toys.
Dogs: http://www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/1ES5SP68IW3DM
Cats: http://www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/3FB49CF8HP26I
Small Animals: http://www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/IBC9M0TD9NVA
Either use the links above or log into your Amazon account and type into the search box “RSPCA Little Valley Wishlist” and our 3 wishlists will come up! It’s a great way to help us out and we know all the animals in our care will be very grateful! And don’t forget to claim for your purchases using Easyfundraising, as we can raise even more money that way!
Pets At Home VIP Club
21st May 2013
Do you shop at Pets at Home? If you do then join their VIP (Very Important Pet) club to save money and support Little Valley.
As a member of VIP, you’ll get great benefits for you and your pets. You’ll receive exclusive discounts on everything from food to health products, as well as helpful hints and tips so you can ensure that you get the best for your pets.
VIP benefits don’t stop there though! Simply swipe your card at the till to collect VIP Lifelines, which will help you and your fellow VIP members to send much needed support to the animal charity of your choice.
You’ll even receive a voucher for 10% off your next in-store shop in your welcome pack just to say thanks for signing up.
All you need to do is register your details online on this link: http://vip.petsathome.com
If you select your Home Store as Exeter, Exmouth, Torquay or Newton Abbot, you can opt for Little Valley as your chosen charity.
2012 Accounts
13th May 2013
Below are the Branch’s Accounts for 2012:
Online Shopping with Easyfundraising
19th February 2013
If you are a regular online shopper, why not shop through Easyfundraising and support Little Valley Animal Shelter at the same time? It takes just 2 minutes to sign up. Easyfundraising helps charities, schools, sports clubs, community groups, and other good causes to raise money when their supporters shop online. It works in a similar way to many other loyalty shopping sites, but instead of earning points when you shop ,you raise a donation for your cause instead. It’s as simple as that! You can shop with over 2,000 well known stores and each will donate up to 15% of what you spend. For example, John Lewis will donate 1%, Amazon 2.5%, The Body Shop 6%, some insurance retailers will even donate up to £30 simply for taking out a policy with them!
