ABOUT US
RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a separately registered charity to the National RSPCA and has been operating locally since 1874.
What we do
Our mission is to rehabilitate cats and dogs that have been subjected to cruelty, neglect, abandonment and abuse, and find them their forever homes. Our branch has an animal centre in the heart of Preston, with a cattery and dog kennels to care for cats and dogs rescued by RSPCA inspectors.
It is our privilege to care for these animals and provide them with everything they need to feel safe and loved. Our animal care team receives thorough training so they can carry out health-checks and monitor behaviour, which is incredibly important in rehabilitating our animals.
The animals receive vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, regular vet checks, any medication and treatments they need, plus lots of good quality food, treats and enrichment, and can’t forget toys!
We also care for long-stay animals whose owners could be being prosecuted for animal cruelty. When these animals come to the end of their stay with us we place them on our website for adoption and work with prospective adopters on any additional needs the rescue animals have.
Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to providing the best in animal welfare.
We believe that it takes ALL of us to create a world that is kinder to animals: please support us in that work.
How we are funded
It is a common misconception that because we carry the RSPCA name that we must be well-funded. We receive no government funding and are responsible for raising funds ourselves to keep our animal centre open.
We achieve this through a number of ways, such as our charity shops, adoption fees, donations, appeals, events, grants, sales and legacies. None of this would be possible without our amazing staff, volunteers and supporters like you.
Meet the team
Claire Bradly Russell
Branch Manager
Claire joined the branch over 10 years ago, initially supporting our charity shops before moving into a senior leadership role responsible for directing all operational aspects of the branch. Claire’s passion is to make a difference in the animal world and to champion our amazing team. She has a golden retriever called Barkley and a cocker spaniel called Indie. Ever the social butterfly she spends her free time catching up with friends, travelling in her caravan and anything creative.
Ashleigh Kay
Animal Care Manager
Ashleigh has over 10yrs experience in Animal Welfare, joining our branch in 2015 first as a volunteer. Ashleigh is the beating heart of the animal centre and treats every cat and dog that comes through our gates as her own beloved pet. She has fostered countless animals for the branch and can usually be found on her days off taking the dogs to the beach.
Tanya Barrett
Business and Administration Manager
Tanya joined RSPCA Preston & District Branch in Nov 2020 as the Branch Administrator. Tanya's background is actually in Book Publishing, but her passion has always been in Animal Welfare. She has two cats and a dog at home, and a husband. And when she isn't behind her desk, she can usually be found behind a book.
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Fran Augustinus
Retail Support and Chorley Shop Manager
Fran has been a part of the RSPCA family since 2018, providing vital retail support across our three charity shops; having played a key role in launching four of them! Fran is a true nature enthusiast and finds joy in long walks, always accompanied by her loyal border collie, Leo. Her love for animals and the outdoors is matched only by her commitment to the work we do.
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Debbie Hiorns
Penwortham Shop Manager
Debs is the manager of RSPCA Penwortham charity shop. She was previously the manager of the Longridge shop for 6 years before coming to Penwortham. She loves the charity and what it stands for. She even adopted a lovely lurcher cross in 2021 called Isla. She loves taking her for walks (or she should say runs!). Debs is also a member of Longridge School of Samba where she plays the Sardo drum.
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Debbie Davies
Longridge Shop Manager
Before Debbie joined the branch 3 years ago as a Retail Assistant she had actually already adopted her beautiful long haired cat Tilly from us! Debbie now manages our Longridge charity shop as well as running her very own macramé business, selling her incredible designs and creations and hosting workshops teaching others. Debbie previously worked for the police for 17yrs and was a foster carer for 12yrs.
Cheryl Graham
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Cheryl has over 13 years’ experience in animal welfare, working with a number of dog charities. In her professional career, she works in senior marketing and commercial roles within the food industry, leading teams and driving work that reflects her values and makes a positive difference. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, Cheryl is passionate about the impact we can have on animals and the local community. In her spare time, she enjoys walks in the Lake District or at the beach with her much loved dog, Boston.
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Jen Batty
Branch Trustee - Secretary
Jen joined the board in early 2026 as Branch Secretary and brings many years experience of business improvement and innovation to the team. A committed vegan and pet care business owner, she has animal welfare at the heart of everything she does.
Diane Taylor
Branch Trustee
Diane Taylor is an experienced NHS education and training professional with a passion for helping people and animals thrive. Having always cared deeply about animal welfare, Diane is committed to ensuring the charity continues to make a meaningful difference for animals and the communities that care for them. Her professional background in leadership, education and governance enables her to contribute strategically while remaining focused on the organisations values and impact.
Alison Fletcher
Branch Trustee
Alison has dedicated over 30 years to animal welfare, primarily as a frontline RSPCA Inspector. Driven by a passion for community outreach, she created and led national partnership projects across England and Wales to support pets and people in need. Recently, Alison transitioned into leading corporate projects. However, with her heart still firmly in animal welfare, she joined our Board of Trustees, to use her experience to continue driving positive change for animals and local communities.
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Heidi Physick
Branch Trustee
Heidi has worked in Human Resources for over 20 years and currently holds the post of Chief People Officer in a financial services organisation. Heidi has spent her life in the company of an array of horses, cats, dogs and rabbits, with a number of them coming to her via rescue organisations. In her spare time Heidi spends time out and about with her dogs, Moose and Otter, and teenage children.
Laura Middleton
Branch Trustee
Jon Pinder
Branch Trustee and Treasurer
Jon is originally from the North East and is still a Middlesbrough Football fan (Up the Boro!) but moved to the North West in 1993 so he is now an adopted Lancastrian. Now retired after a 36-year career as a Chartered Accountant with several National and International Accountancy Practices, including several secondments overseas (New York and Budapest). Jon's hobbies include playing golf, watching sport, photography and travelling. His favourite holidays are Safari in South Africa and Road Trip across Canada.