Who are the friends of West Hatch?

At the West Hatch Animal Centre's first Open Day in 1995, the response was such that it soon became apparent that the public wished to support us in a variety of ways. It was decided that the best way of getting everyone together was to form a "Friends of West Hatch" group.

The Director General, Mr Peter Davies officially launched the group at the second Open Day in 1996 and became the inaugural member.

We want to get as many of our supporters involved as possible and this could range from simply joining and receiving the Newsletter three times a year, to helping with fund raising in a variety of ways, dog walking, mailing newsletters or even cleaning the oiled bird boxes.

The rebuilding of the Companion Animal Home was completed in October 1997 and we now require people to come in and walk the dogs - anything up to 40 per day! Help with the cats, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs and even horses is also needed.

Regular meetings of the Friends Group Committee take place where plans for the future fund raising activities are discussed. Already many important items have been purchased by the friends of West Hatch to assist the staff in their work for the welfare of the animals in our care.

Printable Membership Application Form

Why become a member?

The RSPCA Animal Centre at West Hatch near Taunton in Somerset has its origins back in 1963, beginning with the rescue of unwanted companion animals. With the dedication of the late John Hughes, the Centre expanded to become one of the region's leading wildlife rehabilitation facilities, culminating with the opening of the Wildlife Hospital in 1993.

Today with full Veterinary input the Centre receives thousands of wildlife casualties each year. They are treated and undergo a rehabilitation programme before being releases back into the wild. It has taken many years experience to build up the necessary knowledge to deal with so many varied species and their needs, care, behaviour and habitat for release.

Every year, the Centre rescues and re homes hundreds of unwanted cats & dogs. Every animal is cared for and assessed so that the staff can full explain their personalities and traits to potential adopters. In addition to this we take in unwanted rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, domestic birds, rats, ferrets, tortoises and terrapins - all of which need to be found loving homes.

As part of the RSPCA, West Hatch Animal Centre relies solely on the support of you, the public, and we have much work to do. The need for our facilities never go away - oil spills are on the increase resulting in thousands of polluted seabirds arriving, unwanted cats, kittens, dogs and puppies in need of care and re homing and badgers injured in road traffic accidents. We need your help so that we can provide these facilities for the wildlife and companion animals of this area.

By joining the Friends of West Hatch, you will automatically receive the Centre's newsletter three times a year giving up to date information about the work undertaken at the Centre, unusual species and articles about the animals in the Companion Animal Home and Wildlife Hospital. There will also be interviews with the various members of staff and news of fund raising activities undertaken to raise money for the Centre.

Looking to the future.

With the rebuilding of the Companion Animal Home, there is now a meeting room that is fully equipped for use by schools, youth clubs, etc.

Children and young people are able to visit the Centre and become aware of the work that we carry out here. We hope that talks, closely linked to the National Curriculum by our Regional Education and Schools Liaison Officers, will foster a caring attitude towards all animals.

Our visitors' centre has been transformed into a valuable interactive resource for children. it provides viewing panels into the orphan rearing room and the birds cleaning facility.

Other groups and societies may care to take advantage of the meeting room which is fully equipped with video and presentation facilities offering and attractive venue for groups.

We urge you to become a member of the West Hatch 'Friend' Group.

Such a small amount means so much to the animals.

IN CASES OF CRUELTY, NEGLECT OR IN AN EMERGENCY TEL: 0300 1234 999 (24 HOUR)