A novel way to look after your animals

Children came face to face with lizards and guinea pigs at Scawthorpe Library to take pet care tips from Artis Animal Sanctuary's Vicky Coley.

Artis, on Weston Road, Balby, is well known as the centre TV producers turned to when they needed ferrets for the hit show Heartbeat.

The sanctuary is still going 20 years after it first started, and the animals that enjoyed a day trip to the library ranged from the very young to the very, very old.

Some of the hamsters introduced to the children at the library were only a few months old - and their youth was emphasised by the grand old lady of Artis - a 75-year-old tortoise called Freda.

Vicky reckons Freda shows just how long a commitment can be needed for anyone thinking of keeping a pet.

Although the visits Artis make to libraries across the borough give youngsters plenty of time to have fun, there is a serious message too.

Vicky said: “We try to get through to the children that they should not pester their mums and dads for a rabbit because, if they can't look after it, it will usually end up with us.

“We make the point that when you take on an animal, it could be for two, 10, 15 or even 75 years - and everyone should stop and think before they get an animal. If they can't give it the care it needs, they shouldn’t get one.

“I think we got a good response, and the children seemed to enjoy themselves and ask a lot of questions. We certainly hope our visits help them to appreciate animals more.”

Artis currently has around 200 animals at its sanctuary, which looks after all small animals except for cats and dogs. The largest portion of its residents is made up of rabbits and guinea pigs. But it is also home to more unusual animals including owls, bearded dragons and snakes, which Vicky says tend to be the easier ones to rehouse.

Several years ago the sanctuary was “inundated” with ferrets, says Vicky, and it was during that period that it became the provider of Claude Greengrass’ ferrets in Heartbeat.

The most difficult animals to rehouse at the moment are guinea pigs and the sanctuary, a registered charity, is keen to hear from would-be owners, or anyone who would like to donate to help look after those it is caring for.

Call 01302 857104 for details.