The shelter’s founder and her dog could become homeless after the forced closure

A popular animal shelter is forced to close after losing a battle against an eviction notice.

The Pennine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, was warned to vacate its site last year.

Fearing losing the perfect spot, sanctuary staff initially resisted the notification.

After their efforts failed, they launched a fundraiser to overturn the decision.

Time is now running out until the July 31 closure deadline and they fear closing their doors for good.

Susan Curran, the founder of PAWS, lives in a stationary trailer on the premises alongside rescue dog Big George.

She told Metro.co.uk: “I’m still completely stunned after receiving the original Section 25 notice.

“Months have passed and we are still no closer to finding a suitable site for the relocation, setting up the kennels and cattery, and then there is the concern of where to house the animals that we are not now housing can.

“I am incredibly scared for the future of the charity.”

Big George is just one of the animals facing a dire future if the charity is forced to shut down.

He was rescued from the shelter by Sue and it took six years to rehabilitate him.

A last ditch attempt has now been made to buy a site for PAWS to continue their work.

Michele Way, Chair of the Charity’s Trustees, said: “The Trustees will do their best to ensure the charity continues to help local people and their animals in whatever form it takes.

“We would prefer to shop somewhere and then we have secured the future of the rescue.

“We are desperate for options and need to close our doors to accepting new animals so we can fill the site.

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“It’s devastating that after all the hard work that everyone has put into trying to raise the money we need to buy something decent, we’re not looking further ahead to find a solution.

“Surely there must be someone out there who can help us?”

PAWS was founded in 2007 by Sue who wanted to create a rescue center where anyone could adopt an animal, no matter where they live, their age or their circumstances.

The charity is focusing on animals “that might otherwise be abandoned” and has concerns about who will take that baton in the region when they close.

Susan added: “We currently have 16 cats and 12 dogs, all of whom may face a terrible future unless we secure new premises.

“These cats and dogs have been abandoned before. We are proud to partner with our community to help them in their need, now we really need your help.’

The charity is ideally looking for three to five acres of land within a 15 to 20 mile radius of Todmorden so that it can continue to support its community.

It must have buildings or a footprint of buildings so they can build bigger and better facilities for the hundreds of animals they rescue every year.

The animal protection center had previously raised fears that animals would have to be euthanized if they could not be accommodated.

PAWS also acts as a sanctuary for young people and adults who volunteer to help care for the animals – and Sue had hoped to expand the program to offer more opportunities for both people and animals.

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