ANIMAL WELFARE APPEAL
AN animal welfare advocate is making an urgent appeal for help in setting up an animal rescue group for Sligo.
Susan Fitzgearld says there is no longer a dedicated service to help all kinds of animals in need, and she is hopeful enough people can now get on board to establish a new group or charity for the county.
She told the Sligo Champion: “We regularly see incidences of animal abuse and neglect, either deliberately or through ignorance. Sligo desperately needs a service to cater for animals in need. The ISPCA has an officer but she deals with a number of counties, including Sligo. We used to have a Sligo Animal Rescue service with a shelter in Coolaney. We need to establish a new group.”
A self-confessed animal lover with a number of pets, including dogs and cats, Susan has set up a Facebook page called ‘Sligo Group for Animals.’
She says: “Sligo Group for Animals’ would like to be active in providing a response when animals are in need and to also be a pro-active energy in County Sligo.
“We must stop complaining that the ‘powers-that-be’ don’t take action on our behalf - It takes ‘people power’ to make a change.”
A meeting has been set up for next week, Thursday 24 th May at the Crozon Inn at 7.30pm with a view to establishing a committee for the Sligo Group for Animals. Susan who is originally from Dublin but based in Geevagh for the past 12 years stresses: “If you would like to become involved, to contribute your time, resources and particularly your energy to this initiative - Please attend our last ‘setting-up’ meeting in Crozon Inn.”
This shout out for volunteers is crucial in getting this project off the ground. We need dedicated people who are willing to sit on a committee with a view to establishing a charity and fundraising and we need lots of others who are willing to volunteer.”
Susan says she is encouraged by the response to the Facebook page. “Already we have so many likes. A solicitor and social media expert have offered their services. Please turn up on the night,” she concludes.
“There are huge issues around animal welfare in the county and it is very difficult to get help”