Animal rescue centre in funds appeal

Buy photos » Joanne White and Basil are appealing for more funds to help the sanctuary survive. Picture by Marcus Mingins 0312022MMR

A RESCUE centre is facing closure for a second time, after saving 250 sheep from a neglectful farmer.

The Farm Animal and Bird Sanctuary Trust in Tardebigge has only enough money to keep running until April and co-founder Maureen Lawless said she is relying on the kindness of people to see them through.

Mrs Lawless took 250 sheep in after their owner was banned from keeping animals in February last year. Although another rescue centre took 75, she was left to care for the rest who then bore 35 lambs.

The financial strain of keeping the sheep has prompted Mrs Lawless to appeal for donations to help save the sanctuary as the profits from their charity shop cannot sustain it.

The sanctuary was in a similar position last year, just after the sheep moved in, but was saved after two strangers turned up with a £4,000 cheque. Mrs Lawless is now ‘praying’ for similar good fortune as she believes it is the only way the sanctuary can survive.

Trustee Joanne White added: “I don’t regret it (taking sheep in), it’s a learning curve and I would do it again. I just hope somebody will help and I can’t even think about having to close.’’

The centre also cares for pigs, goats and donkeys.

Anyone who would like to support the sanctuary should call Maureen Lawless on 01527 870613.