Sanctuary hits adoption crisis
By Jane Denny on Thursday, 19th April 2001.
AN ANIMAL sanctuary is facing a pet adoption crisis as the public stays away because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
The Jaybeth Animal Sanctuary, Haverhill, has appealed to people to visit the centre and help ease a backlog of animals by adopting a new pet.
The public's concern over restrictions on movement in the countryside and a reluctance to visit animal sites has led to a build-up of pets awaiting re-homing at the sanctuary.
Jaybeth owner Carol Outhwaite said: "We've been having a terrible time since the beginning of the outbreak.
"Everyone has been staying away, even the people who used to bring food parcels for the animals. There are so many animals we are almost at breaking-point."
Despite the fact that land around the sanctuary is not used for livestock and an adjacent footpath remains open, members of the public are still keeping their distance.
Mrs Outhwaite said she had followed the Government's guidelines on how to minimise the risks of spreading the disease and had isolated three rescued goats at the sanctuary.
She said: "We've hardly homed any animals since the outbreak but they are still being brought in.
"Thankfully we have some great friends and the Haverhill and District Volunteer Centre sends helpers to us."
The sanctuary currently has around 30 puppies and adult dogs in need of homes.
For more information contact the sanctuary on (01440) 786612.
The Jaybeth Animal Sanctuary, Haverhill, has appealed to people to visit the centre and help ease a backlog of animals by adopting a new pet.
The public's concern over restrictions on movement in the countryside and a reluctance to visit animal sites has led to a build-up of pets awaiting re-homing at the sanctuary.
Jaybeth owner Carol Outhwaite said: "We've been having a terrible time since the beginning of the outbreak.
"Everyone has been staying away, even the people who used to bring food parcels for the animals. There are so many animals we are almost at breaking-point."
Despite the fact that land around the sanctuary is not used for livestock and an adjacent footpath remains open, members of the public are still keeping their distance.
Mrs Outhwaite said she had followed the Government's guidelines on how to minimise the risks of spreading the disease and had isolated three rescued goats at the sanctuary.
She said: "We've hardly homed any animals since the outbreak but they are still being brought in.
"Thankfully we have some great friends and the Haverhill and District Volunteer Centre sends helpers to us."
The sanctuary currently has around 30 puppies and adult dogs in need of homes.
For more information contact the sanctuary on (01440) 786612.
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