Tradesmen are needed to help create a £20,000 sensory garden to help rescue dogs prepare for life outside of care.

The garden is already underway at the RSPCA Central Suffolk Branch's Martlesham animal centre with the charity appealing for help with the next phase.

This includes help building a decking area, a shelter with a roof, a garden bridge and concrete tunnel to contributions to building materials and items needed for the space.

Zoe Barrett, centre manager, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community in helping raise the funds for this garden. But now we hope that some local businesses, tradespeople and builders might be able to help us with the next phase.

“The new dog sensory garden will help us prepare our dogs for their new homes as quickly and effectively as possible, while giving them the best quality of life during their stay. But it is costing around £20,000 to create.

“Last year we took in 42 dogs rescued from abuse, neglect or taken in from owners who could no longer care for them due to financial constraints or behavioural difficulties. That’s nearly one every week. 

“Not only have we seen a steep rise in the number of dogs arriving with complex behavioural needs, but dogs are also spending longer in our care – the average stay nearly doubled to 129 days in 2023, and the cost of living crisis means fewer families are taking on a new pet.

“This sensory garden will be a vital part of the rehabilitation of the dogs in our care and we really hope the local community will get behind us.”

The dog sensory garden aims to provide a safe and calm environment, separated from the exercise field which will allow dogs the ideal space they will need to relax outside of their kennel.