A dog rehoming charity in Porth has unveiled new plans to reopen its site.  

St Francis Dogs Home, which has been closed since 2019, has submitted a revised planning application to cater for its fostering model. 

The scheme includes a block of 10 replacement kennels with runs and a food preparation and utility room, and two isolation kennels.

There would also be an administration building which would include a reception area, offices and staff facilities as well as an overnight studio to enable members of staff to stay overnight. The existing training hall would remain. 

The site also houses Edhen Vets which has recently moved into Beaver Lodge. 

Anthony Kinder, the chair of St Francis Dogs Home, said: “We are pleased to have been able to submit the revised site plans which will allow us to fully meet the needs of the dogs both through our fostering model and the kennels.  

“The rescue sector has changed drastically over the past couple of years as a result of the pandemic and one of our main priorities at St Francis has been to ensure that we are providing dogs with the support they need which reflects the current climate.  

“Although fostering will continue to be our main focus, we will still require kennels for any dogs that are still waiting for a foster home or for a dog which needs specialist support when they come into our care.  

“We will be using modular buildings ensuring that the construction has quicker turnaround and kennels can be easily modified, cost-effectively in the future, should any new welfare legislation come into play.” 

The site was closed down after the state of the buildings was reviewed and they were identified as being in a poor condition and not able to meet modern Defra standards.  

Since the closure, St Francis has successfully launched its fostering model.  

Since August 2022, 24 dogs have been rehomed, with 10 dogs currently in foster care with an established community of fosterers. 

The charity aims to continue to recruit more fosterers as well as additional volunteers.

The organisation also wants to appoint trustees with experience in fundraising and will be looking at corporate and community fundraising.