Animal sanctuary in plea for help to get through the winter

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STAFF at The Farm Animal and Bird Sanctuary in Tardebigge are hoping the season of good-will extends to the centre which is in need of desperate help as winter sets in.

The appeal comes after the sanctuary, which houses 150 animals, was hit hard by torrential rain and high winds a fortnight ago.

That saw metal sheets torn off the barn roof, where recued sheep and goats are kept.

The staff have patched up the roof as best they can, but the barn is in a vulnerable state and to repair it properly is going to cost £2,000 - cash the sanctuary just does not have.

Maureen Lawless, the sanctuary’s chairperson and trustee, said: “Part of the roof was already fragile and couldn’t withstand such a beating.

“Water just cascaded down and created a sea of mud - luckily our animals huddled under what remained of the shelter and none were injured.”

It has also led to the sanctuary’s popular festive fund-raiser ‘Carols in the Barn’ being cancelled, which has also led to less funds.

Another problem is the amount of hay needed. The sanctuary usually has hay donated, but, this year, because of the poor weather, has 180 bails less than it normally gets and needs.

Because of the conditions, those extra bails could cost £30 each - leading to another £5,400 bill.

Maureen said: “It is going to be another struggle to get our animals safely through the winter and we just need all the help we can get.”

Anyone wanting to help can write to The Farm Animal and Bird Sanctuary Trust,Stoney Lane, Tardebigge, Bromsgrove B60 1LY, call 01527 870613 or visit www.farmanimalandbirdsanctuary.co.uk

Monetary donations or other items, such as clothes, rags, furniture, books and shoes, can also be taken to the Farm Animal and Bird Sanctuary charity shop, 173 New Road, Rubery.

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