South Yorkshire animal sanctuary reports reduction in adoption

Thornberry Animal Sanctuary in North Anston, Rotherham, re-homed 199 cats, 141 dogs and 38 rabbits last year compared to 275 cats, 171 dogs and 46 rabbits the year before.

Sheila Underwood, Thornberry’s cattery manager, said: Despite being able to find forever homes for nearly 200 lucky cats in 2015 we are now re-homing only half of what we did five years ago, and nearly a third less than

2014.

“With the waiting list for animals to come into the sanctuary always increasing our work is only going to become ever-more important.”

The sanctuary was set up in 1988 and cares for unwanted, abandoned and neglected cats, dogs, horses, rabbits and other small animals until new forever homes can be found.

It operates a policy where no healthy animal in the sanctuary’s care will be put to sleep.

The sanctuary spends around £9,000 a month on housing, feeding and offering medical care to the animals.

A spokesman said: “As a registered charity, without the kind generosity of our supporters we wouldn’t be able to continue the literally life-saving work caring for South Yorkshire’s neglected animals that the dedicated staff and

volunteers do day-in, day-out, regardless of the weather.”

For information on the sanctuary, pets available for adoption and fundraising opportunities call 01909 564 399.