‘Caring for animals in Carla’s memory’
As we approach Wetnose Day, which supports small animal charities, we hear about a community-run organisation set up in the name of a beloved comedy writer and campaigner
‘Carla wanted a sanctuary that was like-minded and in particular stepped in to campaign for breeds of dog that are maligned, which we do’
Whether they’re rescuing a stray cat or standing up to save a dog in the pound, Carla Lane Animals in Need always keeps the passion of the wonderful lady who this sanctuary is named after in mind in all that they do.
The late, legendary Liver Birds, Bread and Butterflies screenwriter Carla Lane had always been a passionate animal rights activist, believing in championing the animals who are the most vulnerable. And that’s exactly what this sanctuary puts into practice today as it cares for needy dogs, cats and farm animals from around the country.
The sanctuary began in 1987 almost by accident when animal lover Fran Ellis and her sister started taking home a few stray dogs from the Merseyside area to try to ease the overwhelming problem of stray animals at the time.
“Then, one day, I had a call from a police officer who knew I did this, telling me about some impounded dogs. I went to the police station, assuming they were trying to rehome them, only to find they were all going to be put to sleep that day, so I had no option but to take them in,” says Fran, now 66. Unable to have any more dogs in her house, Fran sought the help of a local lady who was already running an animal rescue in the area. However, seeing how this elderly lady was struggling to cope, she instead jumped in to help her – and a mini sanctuary called Animals in Need began. Soon more needy animals were arriving and Fran moved to dedicated premises on a beautiful five-acre site, funded entirely by herself.
As the sanctuary flourished, with the support of the people of Merseyside, Fran struck up a friendship with the writer Carla Lane. This came about after Fran sent money to help Carla’s own sanctuary in Sussex save some farm animals. She also befriended Carla’s sons, Nigel and Carl, who lived nearby in Merseyside.
Then, in 1991, when Carla became unwell, she closed her Sussex sanctuary and returned to Liverpool. However, she wanted the money from her animal rescue to go to another worthy cause nearer home. And that cause was, of course, Animals in Need which eventually added Carla’s name in her honour. “She wanted a sanctuary that was likeminded and in particular campaigned for breeds of dog that are maligned, which we do regularly.” In fact, a key part of the charity is to champion families whose dog has been taken away because their pet falls under the Dangerous
Dogs Act – not because of any prior aggression or attacks, but because their size and breed means the authorities consider them to be predisposed to violence.
“Pitbull terriers are a mixed breed that fall under this legislation, meaning many innocent pets are taken in by the police because they’re considered dangerous despite the fact they’ve never hurt a soul. We lobby to get these animals back, often helping fight court cases.”
This work is done alongside caring for hundreds of the most vulnerable dogs, cats and farm animals such as their latest arrivals, a sheep called Carla and her three lambs who would have otherwise been sent off for meat. They also support pet owners in the area who can’t afford to keep or cope with their pet, as well helping out a lady, for example, who rescues stray dogs from Bulgaria by rehoming some of the puppies she brings back.
Finally, their biggest and most recent project has been to carry out much-needed renovations on their kennels so their dogs can enjoy the very best care while they’re there – something Carla always passionately believed in. “We were heartbroken in May 2016 when we heard Carla had passed away,” says Fran. “We’d been to visit her just three days before and she was so delighted to see us and hear about the sanctuary.
“Every time she’d visited us in the past, it was amazing to watch how she’d just glow surrounded by the animals. It’s now such a privilege to continue her work as she was such an amazing lady, never afraid to speak out for our animal friends and we now want to continue the work she started. The sanctuary is also a testament to the amazing kindness and generosity of the people of Merseyside who have supported us.”