Surge in dumped animals
CHARITY SAYS IT IS AT BREAKING POINT
A REHOMING charity for bunnies and other small cuties is warning of an epidemic of dumping.
Organisers of Barwell based Small Pet Rescue say this year so far has been the worst for heartless owners abandoning their pets.
Liz Wilson, who operates the venture along with husband John from their home on Stapleton Lane, said rabbits especially were simply being let loose.
“It’s holiday time, it happens every year but this has been one of the worst. People can’t be bothered with the animals so they just let them free.
“Just the other day a lovely woman found a domesticated baby bunny on Burbage Common. Unable to catch him due to her having her dog with her she phoned her equally lovely husband who didn’t hesitate but drove there and rescued the bun. We took him to Hollycroft Vets but there was no microchip. He does have a number of bites to his neck and upper back area probably caused by another larger bunny. The woman returned later and made the sad discovery of the dead body of the baby’s mother. It’s not clear how she was killed. This is just typical of what is happening.
“We are full to breaking point and I know other shelters are similarly stretched. We have been doing this for 27 years and the situation never seems to get any better, it is so sad.”
Liz and John both work so manage the centre while holding down jobs. It’s a 5.30am rise every day for Liz to clean out and feed the animals before she goes to the florist shop where she has a part-time role.
For the first time they are appealing for volunteers to help them run the centre, giving whatever time they have.
They are also hoping benefactors will donate essentials like hay and animal feed as well as items such as bleach, disinfectant, old towels and large bin bags.
The charity has many animals up for adoption. All have been neutured to prevent unwanted offspring.
Home checks are made to ensure new owners have an adequate environment and there is a small adoption fee to help the charity continue its work.
For more information and to contact the charity visit the website www. smallpetrescue.co.uk or look them up on Facebook.