An animal-loving couple are running a self-funded rescue centre from their Droylsden home.

Steph and Steve Proctor have devoted their lives to animals needing a second chance, after transforming their property into a safe haven for pets around three and a half years ago.

The pair are currently caring for 28 animals, including eight different species, most of whom have arrived at the sanctuary from abuse cases, abandonment, overcrowded shelters and other upsetting situations.

“We’ve always loved animals,” explained Steph.

“We rescued a cat a few years ago, who was being severely abused. She passed away a year later and I was just heartbroken, but to get through it, I just thought: we've given her a life, she’s known a home and she’s known love before she passed away. So I wanted to give that to as many as I possibly can and that's where this all started out really." 

She continued: “We’ve built it up over the years to what it is now. We decided to put out a couple of hutches at first, ones we'd found on Facebook marketplace or ones we’d built ourselves.

“But me and Steve both work full time so we were constantly saving up to buy more & more, so now everyone has the big double hutches and I wouldn't want them in anything smaller.

“I work nights and Steve works days, and since the pandemic he’s been working from home and only goes back in the office one day a week so even if I’m not here and he’s working, he can nip out and check on them. That's what we do 24/7, it's a constant rotation between us both.

She added: “I could never rehome ever. I'd fret and worry about them, which is why unfortunately we can only help so many.

“Any space that I can fit an animal into, I will do but they’re not just placed anywhere it's really thought out because I do also try to pride myself and I want to keep a home as well.”

The couple’s passion and love for the animals in their care is contagious. Once the pets reach the rescue, their lives revolve around joy and they are treated ‘like royalty’.

Steph said: “They’re let out of their areas for a run around every day, without fail. They enjoy fresh fruit and veg every single day, which does cost us but it’s my fault because they’re used to it now. If I went out with no veg it would be game over, they just love it! In the summer, we even bring out the paddling pool and they all adore that.”

With no funding from exterior sources, the couple said: “Anything would help us, even if it was just food or new water bottles or toys for them. Absolutely anything.

“Another big one for us is the grass. We spent a couple of hundred pounds last year on a whole new lawn and it’s now basically just a sheet of mud, so we’re not sure if it was cheap grass or if we’ve done something wrong with it. But if anyone could help us out with the grass that would be amazing, because obviously the animals eat it.

“But just anything that anyone could ever offer and donate would be greatly appreciated.”

Steph and Steve also have a Facebook page where followers can expect regular updates on the animals. The page is called ‘Steph’s and Steve’s Animal Rescue’ and can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2506795482887949 

Images by Nigel Wood

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