THE RSPCA has released figures to a city MP revealing why a Bradford animal centre facing closure is not cost-effective.

The RSPCA Bradford & District Branch’s animal centre and the welfare clinic in Mount Street are facing closure, with an internal consultation with staff set to finish today.

In a letter to Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, who had questioned why the centre was earmarked for closure, David Bowles, the RSPCA’s assistant director of public affairs, said a “financial buffer is no longer available”.

The charity previously said the animal centre and clinic, which cost £608,167 to run last year, could not continue to its current level after recording operational deficits for a number of years and relying on legacy income, which was now in decline.

An RSPCA spokesman said no decision had been made, and would not be until the end of the consultation period, but pointed out the consultation was with a view to the centre closing.

Thirteen people are employed at the site’s animal centre and three at the clinic.

The letter to Mr Hussain said expenditure was £860,000 last year, with a legacy income reduced from almost £232,000 in 2014 to just over £56,000. Reserves had decreased from £1.1 million in 2010, to £532,000 by the end of last year.

Mr Bowles said: “Steps have been taken to reduce expenditure, which peaked at £981,000 in 2013, but these have not gone far enough or fast enough to compensate for the continued fall in income.

“The RSPCA is extremely concerned at the possible closure of the animal centre.”

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The centre takes in the most abused and neglected animals in the Bradford district from RSPCA officers.

The clinic provides reduced-cost veterinary treatment, neutering and microchipping for pet owners in the area.

Mr Hussain said: “I appreciate that the level of money available to the local trust has declined and expenditure has gone up.

“I still say there is a need for some service of some level.

“I have written again to the RSPCA to ask what alternatives are available, with closure being the absolute last option.”

Staff at the centre said they were unable to comment.

Contingency plans will be in place for animals in need in Bradford if the charity decides to shut the centre.