Northern Counties Horses And Smaller Animals Protection Society

Our goal is to provide temporary care and shelter for stray, abandoned and relinquished animals, and to place as many as possible into responsible and caring homes. Although our registered name is Northern Counties Horse & Smaller Animals Protection Society, we are more commonly known as ‘Brysons’ after our founders the late Bill and Marion Bryson.

The Society was founded in 1947 by the late Bill & Marion Bryson to provide sanctuary and a home of rest for retired and ill-treated horses and ponies.

Over the years the society has expanded and now also provides a shelter for dogs, cats and other animals.

Our shelter is spread over two sites, one for horses and the other, main site, for dogs, cats and small animals. The main site is a converted school building. Barrington School as it was known stood on the site from 1867 and got its name from Rev. Shute Barrington, Bishop of Durham who was a notable patron of education in the diocese of Durham.

If you wish to visit the shelter then please come to the main site and go to the reception area.  Telephone number 0191 4875858.