North Anston: Struggling animal sanctuary back up report that county has been ranked sixth worst in country for abandoning animals

Thornberry Animal Sactuary say they are ‘not at all surprised’ that South Yorks has been ranked the sixth worst county in England for abandoned animals.
Julie Brown of Thornberry Animal Sanctuary, North Anston with abandoned kitten Myrtle which had been disowned by its motherJulie Brown of Thornberry Animal Sanctuary, North Anston with abandoned kitten Myrtle which had been disowned by its mother
Julie Brown of Thornberry Animal Sanctuary, North Anston with abandoned kitten Myrtle which had been disowned by its mother

According to the shocking report released by the RSPCA on Tuesday 21st October, some 1,026 pets were dumped by irresponsible owners in the region between 1st January and 1st October in 2014 alone.

Concerned staff and volunteers at the charity say the figures reveal an alarming increase in the number of vulnerable animals being dumped across England and Wales and that they expect the situation to get worse over the winter months.

Staff at Thornberry Animal Sanctuary, a shelter in North Anston that cares for unwanted animals and strives to rehome them, have backed up the report and described their situation as ‘desperate as ever.’

Joanne Brunt, chairperson, said: “The report does not surprise me in the slightest.”

“In the past fortnight alone, we’ve had to pick up 12 kittens that have been dumped in laybys on the A57.”

“We now have so many kittens, many of which are poorly, that we are struggling to cope.”

“And it’s not just cats. We care for all sorts of aniamls and we could probably fill the sanctuary ten times over with unwanted staffies. People just keep breeding them thinking they’ll sell them all, which of course they don’t.”

“My worry is that we’ll reach breaking point and, when we’re not able to take any more animals, they will be dumped elsewhere.”

“The reasons that people can’t look after their pets anymore vary.”

“Some pass away, some can’t cope after relationships break down and some move into new properties that don’t allow pets. We can’t judge anyone, but we are definitely struggling.”

The sanctuary rely totally on donations, legacies and fundraising with costs of over £10,000 a month.

You can help by becoming a volunteer, fundraising, donating money, bedding or food or even adopting an animal.

To find out more call 01909 564399 between 11am and 3pm.

The sanctuary is based on Todwick Road, North Anston.

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