Charity sets up a food bank – for pets

A FOOD bank with a difference has been set up – this one is for pets.

The centre, at Llewerllyd Farm in Dyserth, Denbighshire, is believed to be the first such centre in north Wales.

Marjorie Summerfield, who runs the Pet Rescue and Welfare Association with her husband Ivan, says that rising levels of poverty have resulted in some owners having to give up their pets because of the cost.

In an effort to curb the numbers of animals they take into their care, the pair have decided to start handing out pet food parcels in the hope that it will allow more owners to keep their animals.

The couple also run a veterinary practice, daycare and pet rescue centre alongside the food bank.

Mrs Summerfield says there has been a recent sharp rise in the number of people asking for their pets to be taken in.

She said: “You never know what might happen. You could lose your job or get hit by a drop in income. You get people who have lost their homes or people who have lost work.

“Pensioners seem to be getting hit the worst. You could have a pet for five or six years and suddenly you cannot afford that £10 a week for dog food or whatever.

“So instead of them saying, ‘can you take our pet?’, we can say, ‘we can help you feed your pet’.”

As well as dogs, the charity has parrots, cockatiels, ducks, geese and even two tortoises.

They take food donations for any animals. To access the service, all people need to do is bring one utility bill as proof of address.

The takings from the veterinary practice, which has an operating theatre, help cover vet bills for those animals taken in, and the daycare for dogs helps pay for abandoned animals’ upkeep.

But, Mrs Summerfield says, donations keep them afloat.

She added: “The only way charities can survive is to make their own income but we do also rely on donations,” said Marjorie, who used to be a dog trainer until she was diagnosed with cancer and had a lung removed.

“We have a fun dog show and family day and that is really important for us in raising funds.

“With the pet food bank, the big problem is finding places to put our collection boxes and signs in.

“We’ve written to the big supermarkets and so far Tesco in Prestatyn has let us have one. We are waiting to hear from the others.

“We can’t keep doing it without support from local shops.”

To donate food to the Pet Rescue Welfare Association, call 01745 571061 or visit them at Llewerllyd Farm, Long Acres Road, Dyserth, LL18 6BP.