IT IS a fact that Hull would rather forget. With one of the highest rates of animal cruelty in the country, thousands of animals are neglected in the city each year and left in need of a loving new home.
Now, a new education centre, thought to be the first of its kind in the country, will open in the city to educate young people in a bid to combat animal cruelty.
The RSPCA William Wilberforce Animal Education Centre, based in Clough Road, Hull, will officially open on Friday, November 7.
The centre has been made possible thanks to a new partnership between the Hull and East Yorkshire RSPCA branch and Cobus Communications.
RSPCA general manager Alison Ripley said: "It's all about educating children across Hull and East Yorkshire. They are our future and we want to combat animal cruelty.
"Hull has one of the highest rates of animal cruelty and we want to take action to reduce this."
Cobus Communications, based in Strickland Street, Hull, chose the Hull and East Riding branch of the RSPCA as its nominated charity for this year.
The team has helped turn an unused staff room into the education hub.
A major £4,000 revamp has seen the installation of a new roof, together with new access ramps to make it more wheelchair friendly.
Cobus has also donated and installed an interactive whiteboard, projector and speaker system to be used for lessons and provided the use of a large shipping container to house donated stock from the centre's charity shop.
The new educational centre has been named in honour of William Wilberforce, who was a founding member of the RSPCA.
Cobus business manager Vicky O'Grady said: "This exciting initiative is, as far as we know, the first of its kind in the country and we are very excited to be launching it.
"The key drivers for relaunching the centre is to make sure the subject of animal welfare is taught to children across Hull and the East Riding.
"The second is to educate the public about the work the RSPCA does and to increase activity, footfall and volunteering for the organisation."
The new educational training room will cater for about 20 pupils.
Working alongside Hull Children's University, which has constructed lesson plans, children will also be able to tour the kennels, cattery and hutch areas at the centre, learning as they go about the animals rescued, the work that the rescue does, and how to care for animals.
To generate funds for the new centre, Cobus staff have volunteered at various fundraising events throughout the year including Easter and summer fairs, manning stands, taking registrations and collecting donations.
They have also taken part in sponsored events such as the Hull 10k, Tough Mudder and the Three Peaks Challenge, which have so far raised more than £1,000
Mrs Ripley said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Cobus Communications – this project could not have got off the ground without them."
The centre will officially open on November 7, with a number of special events, including dog agility shows and a visit from a special pony, who will perform a number of tricks for guests.
Local businesses lend supportTHE Hull and East Riding branch of the RSPCA and Cobus Communications would like to thank a number of local businesses for getting the new education centre up and running.
Cobus business manager Vicky O'Grady said: "We would like to give a special mention to Roses Of Beverley and Landau Holdings Ltd, which have supplied and fitted a new kitchen area.
"We would also like to thank Rollits, which has kindly donated a substantial figure towards the relocation and renovation works required for a new grooming room.
"Thanks also go to G4 Print & Design, Vuba Flooring, D3 Office Group, Instinctive Horse Training, KC, DeSigns Signage Solutions, Ginger Leader and Stonemere."
