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Staff Picks - part 9 : Post-Xmas blues for Irlam sanctuary
Every year at this time many unwanted pets are abandoned, in this video which we filmed a year ago at the Animals in Distress sanctuary, we see what happens to the lucky ones who are cared for by a small team of dedicated people desperately in need your support. Please consider giving a donation to this very worthy cause. The post-Christmas period is always a tough time for animal sanctuaries, and Irlam's Animals In Distress is no different. People often aren't prepared for the commitment of a pet, says centre manager of the Irlam sanctuary Jackie. "The animals that people get for Christmas are soon weeing and pooing all over the house, and people don't know how to deal with them." "We have to compete with the pet shops and make sure that the vast majority of animals that are going into local people's homes are well cared for, and especially importantly, neutered. "Animals do so much better when they're neutered!" says Jackie, vehemently. "Look at these ferrets - they emit a pungent odour when they become sexually mature if they're not neutered - I don't know how people keep them in the house!" Swamped by unwanted, neglected and abused animals, the centre struggles to stay open, but without it hundreds of animals would die in appaling circumstances. And the constant battle to raise enough money to pay vets fees is a depressing cycle centre worker Richard has to go through every day. As an odd-job man and emergency driver, his role is to pick up reports of animals that are left by the roadside, in bins, in parks, often freezing and left to die. And spending hundreds of pounds testing the animals for diseases and clearing up illnesses is only half the work. The Irlam centre at Pennisfield farm constantly has its doors open - and that's a kindness that is often abused. "You seem to have to have all kinds of food and bedding lying around," says Jackie, "because you never know what you're going to get from one day to the next. Incredibly, she says: "We've had a puma in here! Someone tried to give us elephants once...." Could you help? Could you volunteer an hour of your time a week to sit and pet the dozens of cats, house rabbits, dogs and other animals who need a little bit of time and comfort? Call the sanctuary now of 775 2221 and offer your support to this wonderful charity. Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
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