A FORMER animal rescue site in Flintshire is set to be taken over and will ‘breathe new life’ after it was left in disrepair for several years.

Steph Oliver – of Wirral Animal Sanctuary – will be opening Jackson Animal Rescue on the former Capricorn Animal Rescue Centre based in Padeswood.

The Leader previously reported that almost 140 domestic, farm, exotic and wild animals were all taken from the centre after the RSPCA were called in by the Charity Commission, who took over management of the site in August 2018.

The rescues included 41 cats, 17 birds, 14 rabbits, ten dogs, ten hamsters, eight guinea pigs, five bearded dragons, five degus, five pigs, five ferrets, three snakes, two gerbils, a chinchilla and a goose.

The Charity Commission intervened following a statutory inquiry into Capricorn, following continued concerns about the sustainability and management of the charity.

In a post made on the Wirral Animal Sanctuary’ social media page, Ms Oliver said that the team had been searching for some time to find the right place for a new sanctuary.

She said: “When Wirral Animal Sanctuary was founded almost five years ago, the original aim was to fundraise for a premises that would allow us to rescue and rehome domestic animals such as dogs and cats.

“The aim was to have something like Freshfields, who are an amazing rescue in Liverpool and Wales but sadly often at capacity.

“We have now secured the premises of our dreams. We will soon be able to help dogs, cats and other small domestic animals who are without a home. We are absolutely thrilled!”

The Jackson Animal Rescue Team say that the land requires a lot of work to make it fit for purpose again.

Her statement continued: “This site does have an unfortunate history as the RSPCA had to remove the animals that were housed there - a case that was reported in the local and national media. However, we are excited to breathe new life into this site and bring it up to our high standards.

“Our centre in Frankby will remain open as usual, and our wildlife work will continue here on the Wirral.”

The charity has said it will share every part of its transformation journey with followers via social media, adding that there’s “so much work to do” before they can take in any animals.

They add that the charity will be opening a new shop in the region to help support the work they intend to do in the area.