A BROMSGROVE sanctuary facing an unprecedented demand to rehome animals has made an urgent appeal to Standard readers to help it get through the winter.
Linda Tudor anticipates Hillfields, in Greenhill, Blackwell, will need to generate £10,000 to ensure it can continue to feed and look after all of its furry residents at this the toughest time of the year.
The sanctuary, which has been operating for 35 years, has been inundated with calls, receiving more than ten a day from people asking for it to take in animals.
Currently, there are more than 300 animals there, including over 50 cats, 11 dogs, eight horses, a foal, a donkey, 30 goats, 20 sheep, pigs, micopigs, ducks, chickens, hens, and a turkey.
The sanctuary is the one of the biggest goat reserves in the region and a lot of the dogs there have behavioural problems which makes it difficult for them to be rehomed. The charity has seen an influx of micropigs which, Linda said, people have had, not realising how much care they need.
Schools in the area have had chicks, but the cockerels are often not wanted and end up at the centre.
“We just cannot keep up with the demand and funding all this is a big problem.” said Linda.
As well as the animals, a lot of the buildings on the site are old and in a state of disrepair and need doors fixing or new roofs.
Linda said the sanctuary became a charity in June in a bid to access other avenues of funding but that had not happened and now the organisation is facing a bigger funding crisis than ever.
She said she would be grateful for any financial assistance and any offer of materials or labour to repair the dilapidated buildings.
Anyone wanting to donate can do so through Paypal at www.hillfields-animal-sanctuary.com and people can log onto there to find out more about Hillfields, its animals and how they can help.
