Pennine Animal Welfare Society

Our Story

Pennine Animal Welfare Society started off with very humble beginnings in our founder
member’s flat when Sue Curran started taking in unwanted cats and dogs in 2007. It was
soon apparent that demand outstripped supply in terms of vet’s bills, food supplies and
space.  Following a meeting with like-minded local people in Todmorden, PAWS was born.  It gained registered charitable status on 9th December 2014 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAWS was located in the Todmorden area and covered a 15 mile radius of the town centre.  We are well known for our coffee mornings, having a market stall, organising local events such as dog shows, fetes, Christmas Fairs and offering help to those in need in terms of food to local food banks, help with cat neutering vouchers and giving advice on rehoming and adoption. We rehome widely across the region and take in animals within our catchment area which now covers from Halifax to Burnley, including Todmorden and the rest of the Calder Valley as well as Rochdale, Saddleworth and the outskirts of Oldham.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PENNINE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (P.A.W.S.), had a vision to build a new cattery and
kennels at a site it purchased in July 2023 near Delph, Oldham. The vision included
sustainable, off-grid living with facilities for the cats and dogs needing our help.
Unfortunately, due to two failed planning applications and other associated costs amounting to a spend of just under £15,000, the Board of Trustees, took the decision late in 2024 to sell the property. The Board also had an in depth audit of operational costs and how it worked.
After much deliberation it was agreed that the operational model needed to change to being foster based rather than having a premises. This decision was not taken lightly and came after further disappointments when looking for a new premises. The restructuring has resulted in greatly reduced overheads and a new way of working for the volunteers, but the charity is excited about what the future holds and looks forward to continuing to work with the local communities it serves.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PENNINE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
PAWS main phone - 07833 736325
Michele Way, Chair of Trustees - 07748 988242
EMAIL:  enquiries@pennineanimalwelfaresociety.org