Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
WHEN things go wrong, do you have, in your mind, a list of who you can go to for help.
Most likely, you go to different people for different things. (You may also have, in your mind, a list of people you’d never ask in a month of Sundays).
When it comes to the Ealing Animals Fair, I know who’s near the top of my list if I suddenly need help – Hillingdon RSPCA. They’ve had a stall at the Fair almost since the beginning and, on more than one occasion, they’ve come to my aid.
Like Hillingdon RSPCA, stallholders at the Fair this year include, amongst many others, well-known favourites such as Hounslow Animal Welfare Society (their stall almost breaks under the weight of collected treasure) and Animals Asia (committed to rescuing bears from bile farms where they can be kept for up to thirty years in tiny cages).
But it also includes societies at the Fair for the first time such as the Litter Action Group for Ealing Residents (LAGER Can). This group works to remove litter from our open spaces. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how harmful litter can be to wildlife. For example, animals can try to eat plastic bags and choke, they can become entangled in plastic can holders and elastic bands or cut themselves on broken glass.
As well as stalls, there’s an amazing programme of speakers including the well-known actor, Peter Egan. Also, for the first time, we’ll be able to make bath bombs with Lush. The Mayor of Ealing will be there plus two Ealing MPs, Virendra Sharma and James Murray.
The Ealing Animals Fair takes place on Saturday March 4 (10.30am4pm) at Hanwell Methodist Church, Church Road, London W7 1DJ. Admission is free. More information from ealinganimalsfair.london.
Now back to Hillingdon RSPCA who are currently caring for Major, an eleven month old Staffie Cross. He’s friendly and loves walks, playtime and food. He still has puppy traits such as jumping up and overthe-top play. Major is looking for a home with owners experienced with bull breeds who can provide him with the training and exercise he needs. If you’re interested in homing Major, see rspca.org.uk or call 01895 833417.
Experienced in helping others, Hillingdon RSPCA need help themselves. They need cat litter (woodchip and Catsan have been particularly requested), wet/dry cat food and bedding (no duvets). Please drop donations into one of their shops (Denham, Cippenham, Hillingdon). The Hillingdon shop is at 13, Crescent Parade, UB10 0LG.