RESCUE CLOSED TO ADMISSIONS - 24/02/2009
ving run Green Fields Rescue from her home for nearly 8 years, rescue manager, Lorna Field has decided to partially close the doors in 2009. She says: "Green Fields Rescue has been a huge part of my life for many years now, but running such a massive undertaking does take its toll on other areas of your life and for me, its time to take stock and get some balance back. The credit crunch has also meant funding has become a real issue for us here and we think its better to help a smaller number of rabbits and do it well, than take in more bunnies and spend almost every waking hour trying to find ways to fund their care and rehabiliation."
The rescue will still be open between 12 and 2pm most Sundays for advice and collection of supplies but the rescue is not planning to take in or rehome rabbits on a large scale this year.
Lorna says "We already have quite a number of bunnies in the rescue who will gradually be rehomed to the right people over the coming months, possibly with the assistance of other trusted rescue centres if appropriate. We also have several bunnies who, due to ongoing health problems, will stay in the rescue to be cared for so there's still a large cost implication and plenty to do here!"
Sadly, Lorna has found that not everyone is willing to respect her position and in the past few weeks has had no fewer than 12 rabbits left on her doorstep. Having no history on these dumped animals makes them even harder to care for and rehome as they all require a lengthy stay at the rescue while money is raised to ensure they are fully vaccinated, neutered, paired with a rabbit pal and observed to see what kind of home would be best for them. The increase in abandoned rabbits has forced Lorna to rethink security at the house on the site. She explains, "We have always been relucant to install CCTV cameras because we know it puts people off coming here and sometimes it may be better for the animal if an uncaring owner puts them on our doorstep than just lets them out in a park for example. These are domestic rabbits and they just dont survive in the wild. However, the number being dumped has got out of control. Under new animal welfare act laws, abandoning an animal is a crime as well as being totally irresponsible. We can no longer make dumping an animal here the easy option. The hidden cameras will record any vehicle or person entering the property and we fully intend to work with the police and RSPCA to prosecute anyone who abandons an animal here without permission. Its sad that its come to this, but it had to be done."
Lorna advises anyone thinking of getting rabbits to think VERY carefully before doing so and anyone no longer able to care for their rabbits to contact the RSPCA or their local vet for advice.
Meanwhile, the rescues website will stay live during 2009 for educational use and the rescues holiday boarding facility will continue to run as usual.
The rescues email addresses are NOT in use and anyone wishing to make a booking will need to call Lorna directly on 07739 147266. There are limited boarding places available and preference is given to those who have adopted their bunnies from the rescue centre. Please note that to promote welfare, Green Fields does not accept single rabbits living alone into boarding.
APRIL 23RD
THIS WEEK AN INACCURATE ARTICLE HAS BEEN PRINTED IN THE BRACKNELL STANDARD WHICH IMPLIES THAT A DONATION OF £313 MADE BY WAITROSE IN SANDHURST HAS GUARANTEED THE RESCUES FINANCIAL VIABILITY FOR ANOTHER YEAR. THIS IS ENTIRELY INACCURATE AND UNTRUE AND A COMPLAINT REGARDING THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE NEWSPAPER. THE CLOSURE TO ADMISSIONS REMAINS IN PLACE.
