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THE Animal Rescue Charity (ARC) in Bishop’s Stortford is hoping some of its residents will be starting the New Year in a new home.
The sanctuary in Foxdells Lane has made an urgent appeal to find loving families to adopt its cats and dogs after being inundated with new arrivals this winter.
Although the charity is operating at full capacity, staff and volunteers are determined not to turn away any unwanted animals. However, they need to find new homes for the ones currently in their care so they can free up extra space.
Co-founder Jan Rose said: “We’re pretty much at our limit and facing real problems if we’re asked to take in any more. We’ve never turned an animal away but we need to get them homed so we can take more in.”
The charity, which was set up 21 years ago, takes in strays and other abandoned pets of all shapes and sizes. One of its most recent arrivals is a dog that was found living in an upturned wheelie bin at the bottom of a garden and relying on scraps of food from neighbours.
Among those desperate for a fresh start in 2012 is one of the charity’s long-term residents, former stray Harley. The tortoiseshell cat has been living at ARC since November last year.
The charity would also like to re-home former pound dog Susie. The collie-cross was due to be put down before being rescued at the 11th hour.
ARC manager Cherry Mitchell said: “They’re all worthy. We’re looking for stable and committed new owners and always do a home check to make sure they are suitable. There’s no reason why they can’t take their chosen animal home with them within three or four days, providing all is well.”
Jan said that often dumped animals come to them because their owners can no longer afford to look after them. “Because of the economic situation, people don’t want the responsibility of having an animal which needs veterinary treatment and feeding,” she said.
As the recession continues to bite, the charity is facing its own financial difficulties and has seen its overheads spiral.
Jan said that it was an ongoing struggle to find the resources to provide the basics – such as heating, food and veterinary care – essential to the well-being of every animal. They always welcome donations of food and bedding.
“Unfortunately there’s no magic fund for animal charities,” she said. “Our costs are going through the roof and the challenge is finding new people to support us when they themselves are watching their pennies.
“But we carry on because we’re all animal lovers. We always make sure that when they leave us they’re going somewhere better.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to see them go off with their new family. It’s what it’s all about.”
For more information about adopting an ARC animal, call (01279) 501547 or visit http://www.animalrescue.org.uk/.
