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Future of 137 animals secured by RSPCA as animal sanctuary closes
Lack of donations led to the sanctuary's closure.

Lack of funds leads to closure of Capricorn Animal Sanctuary in Wales

RSPCA Cymru has successfully secured the future of 137 animals formally kept at Capricorn Animal Sanctuary in Padeswood, Wales.

The sanctuary, which has faced enormous financial hardship, was unable to continue taking care of the rescued animals. This pressure would have been intensified due to the vast array of species kept at Capricorn; many of which require complex and expensive care.

A total of 41 cats, 17 birds, 14 rabbits, 10 dogs, 10 hamsters, eight guinea pigs, five bearded dragons, five degus, five pigs, five ferrets, three snakes, two gerbils, one chinchilla and a goose were collected by the RSPCA and transported to boarding establishments and specialist centres. Each animal received an examination by a veterinarian before being transferred.

RSPCA Cymru commented that it would have been “exceptionally difficult” to supply the required level of care for such a large variety of species in a small sanctuary without enough donations from the public.

A statutory inquiry of Capricorn Animal Sanctuary by the Charity Commission led to Guy Hollander of Mazars LLP being appointed as interim manager of Capricorn in July 2018.

Hollander subsequently decided that the sanctuary was no longer viable and contact began with the RSCPA to start the operation of rehoming the animals residing at Capricorn.

The RSPCA are concerned about the lack of regulation of animal sanctuaries in Wales and have long campaigned for a change in the law.

“Many sanctuaries do a great job” stated Claire Lawson, RSPCA Cymru Assistant Director of External Relations. “But the lack of regulation is a major cause for concern.”

Capricorn Animal Sanctuary is not under any RSPCA investigation.

If you wish to help RSPCA Cymru, you can donate online here.

Image (c) RSPCA

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.