RSPCA centres in the Bradford district are continuing to take in unwanted animals as well as those that have been cruelly treated.

The charity announced earlier this week it wanted to focus on caring for pets that had been seized from their owners and would be accepting fewer unwanted animals at its 17 regional centres in England and Wales.

But the organisation’s branch in Mount Street, Bradford, which operates autonomously as a charity in its own right, is not subject to the new policy and will continue to take in animals on a case-by-case basis.

A spokesman for the charity said: “The branch will be taking animals in the same way they always have.

“They prioritise animals with the greatest need, those that have been cruelly treated or neglected and run a waiting list for people who are looking to give up their pets. People in the area can be reassured that they won’t see any difference at all.”

The RSPCA’s Craven and Upper Wharfedale RSPCA Centre near Keighley is also able to choose whether to follow the new policy.

Branch administrator Pam Laking said: “We are continuing as normal. Most of the animals we take in are from inspectors. I take each request on its merit. We do listen to people with unwanted animals as well because they can be in very difficult situations.

“These decisions always come down to how much money we have got, it’s very sad.”

The policy, which has been trialled at some RSPCA centres since January, is partly due to financial pressures, but also a bid to force pet owners to take responsibility for their animals.

To donate to the Craven and Upper Wharfedale branch, call Pam Laking on 07949 229955.

To donate to the Bradford branch, call (01274) 723063.