Protest in Walsall town centre at Rosedene dog shelter's reopening

The demonstration outside the Town Hall today marks the latest stage in the saga surrounding Rosedene Rescue Centre.

The dog shelter in Rushall closed down temporarily last month following allegations about conditions at the centre.

But it is due to reopen following a revamp in the next two to three weeks and will be under new management.

However, around 30 animal rights protesters and former volunteers gathered in the town centre to and called for it to remain shut.

Organiser Clare Williams said: "We have planned this to make the public aware of the conditions animals were kept in.

"We know that Rosedene is looking to reopen and we want to stop that from happening.

"The reaction has been amazing – we've had lots of people beeping their horns or coming to talk to us.

"And we've also had an overwhelming response on social media, on the Rosedene 12 and other groups.

"We are here to be a voice for the dogs."

Last week, the Express & Star revealed police are investigating allegations of theft and fraud related to claims volunteers had stolen dogs from the home.

No-one from Rosedene was immediately available for comment this afternoon.

But a spokesman previously confirmed the centre was being revamped with a view towards by the middle of February.

However, centre bosses still need to formally apply for a new licence from officials at Walsall Council.

Petitions calling for the centre to be shut down for good have amassed more than 1,000 signatures.

The council confirmed they inspected Rosedene multiple times last year due to rat infestations which were addressed.

The centre was temporarily closed down in 2010 after the RSPCA raided it with police, seizing dozens of dogs. It was allowed to re-open later that year.