Post by vivhurley on Dec 13, 2005 11:23:23 GMT 1
Plymouth Animal Charity faces Christmas Crisis
Gables Farm Dogs’ and Cats’ Home, Plymouth’s oldest registered animal welfare charity, is tragically full to capacity with over 90 animals on its waiting list. As it’s only the beginning of December, staff at the pet shelter are seriously worried at the crisis they now face and particularly how they will cope in the New Year.
“The situation is always difficult at this time of year as, contrary to popular belief, more dogs and cats come in before Christmas than afterwards. However, this year we have reached capacity a month earlier than usual, which is quite concerning,” says Tony Harris, general manager, Gables Farm Dogs and Cats Home.
“Sadly, we have seven elderly dogs, all over nine years old, who just shouldn’t be in kennels at their age and some might just give up living if they aren’t re-homed soon,” says Avril Money, animal manager, Gables Farm Dogs’ and Cats’ Home who is responsible for filling the 64 cat pens and 82 dog kennels on the 11 acre purpose built site, near Saltram Park.
Unusually, it has been a very busy year for Gables Farm with more dogs and cats coming in, but fewer being re-homed. This is due to the fact that dog ownership in particular, is in serious decline due to busier and more incompatible lifestyles. The home has also seen the number of its visitors dramatically drop, with many choosing not to return if they do not set eyes on their perfect companion straightaway.
As an animal welfare rescue centre, Gables Farm does not encourage people to introduce a new pet to the household at Christmas, which is, for most people a very hectic time. However, it is calling on responsible people who are seriously and genuinely considering taking a pet on, to come and visit the Home. “People should remember that rescued dogs need a lot of input from their new owners in terms of time and training. Visitors should also be aware that they are unlikely to find a dog that meets all their criteria on their first visit. It can take up to five, before the right one is found.” Says Avril.
Earlier this year, Gables Farm launched its Welfare Kennel Appeal, aiming to raise £100K by the end of next December in order to build a new kennel block on its existing site. If the fundraising initiative is successful it will help create desperately needed space and dramatically cut waiting lists. However, with so many natural disasters calling on people’s generosity throughout the year, it seems that animal charities have found themselves at the bottom of the pile for aid.
-ends-
For further information, please contact Gables Farm on 01752 331 602
Gables Farm Dogs’ and Cats’ Home, Plymouth’s oldest registered animal welfare charity, is tragically full to capacity with over 90 animals on its waiting list. As it’s only the beginning of December, staff at the pet shelter are seriously worried at the crisis they now face and particularly how they will cope in the New Year.
“The situation is always difficult at this time of year as, contrary to popular belief, more dogs and cats come in before Christmas than afterwards. However, this year we have reached capacity a month earlier than usual, which is quite concerning,” says Tony Harris, general manager, Gables Farm Dogs and Cats Home.
“Sadly, we have seven elderly dogs, all over nine years old, who just shouldn’t be in kennels at their age and some might just give up living if they aren’t re-homed soon,” says Avril Money, animal manager, Gables Farm Dogs’ and Cats’ Home who is responsible for filling the 64 cat pens and 82 dog kennels on the 11 acre purpose built site, near Saltram Park.
Unusually, it has been a very busy year for Gables Farm with more dogs and cats coming in, but fewer being re-homed. This is due to the fact that dog ownership in particular, is in serious decline due to busier and more incompatible lifestyles. The home has also seen the number of its visitors dramatically drop, with many choosing not to return if they do not set eyes on their perfect companion straightaway.
As an animal welfare rescue centre, Gables Farm does not encourage people to introduce a new pet to the household at Christmas, which is, for most people a very hectic time. However, it is calling on responsible people who are seriously and genuinely considering taking a pet on, to come and visit the Home. “People should remember that rescued dogs need a lot of input from their new owners in terms of time and training. Visitors should also be aware that they are unlikely to find a dog that meets all their criteria on their first visit. It can take up to five, before the right one is found.” Says Avril.
Earlier this year, Gables Farm launched its Welfare Kennel Appeal, aiming to raise £100K by the end of next December in order to build a new kennel block on its existing site. If the fundraising initiative is successful it will help create desperately needed space and dramatically cut waiting lists. However, with so many natural disasters calling on people’s generosity throughout the year, it seems that animal charities have found themselves at the bottom of the pile for aid.
-ends-
For further information, please contact Gables Farm on 01752 331 602