Volunteer makes plea to save animal haven (From Swindon Advertiser)

Volunteer makes plea to save animal haven

12:40pm Wednesday 20th January 2010 in

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A TEENAGE volunteer has made a heartfelt plea to the Adver in defence of a beleaguered animal sanctuary.

As we have already revealed, the future of Swindon and District Animal Haven in Ballards Ash, Wootton Bassett, is in doubt.

Wiltshire Council says there must be improvements such as a septic tank and improved toilet facilities before it will allow members of the public and volunteers aged under 18 back to the site.

Young volunteer Rachel Reedman, 14, believes the measures could end up making life harder not only for the animals but also for the 30 or so young people who help out at the sanctuary.

She said: “So the place isn’t perfect, but where is the money going to come from?

“It’s a farm environment – it’s not like the RSPCA. We don’t have money coming in from everywhere.

“The only fund we have are the donations from rehoming the animals. If members of the public are banned, how are we going to get any donations to fix the problem?”

Rachel is a Swindon Academy pupil who lives in Gorse Hill. Mum Leigh, 39, is a student midwife, dad Dave, 43, runs a cleaning business. Rachel’s brother and sisters are Aaron, 15, Laura, 13, and Lynsey, 12.

About two years ago, Rachel volunteered for duty at the animal haven after visiting with a cousin who wanted a puppy.

Rachel hit out at Wiltshire Council, saying: “To be honest, I think they are making the whole thing worse.

“I love to go to down there at the weekend and help out. I play with, clean and feed the animals.

“It also keeps teenagers off the street and out of trouble. It gives us a responsibility not only to look after ourselves but to look after the animals as well.”

The young volunteer also dismissed health and safety claims relating to a wire running to heaters used to keep animals warm in icy weather.

“I’m not that stupid that I’m going to get on my hands and knees and chew on the wire on the floor every time I walk past it,” she said. “Quite an insult, really!”

Sanctuary owner John Warwick thanked Rachel both for volunteering and for speaking out on behalf of the sanctuary.

He added: “The young people who come here gain so much from the experience and tell me they thoroughly enjoy themselves.

“The work is something they look forward to coming here and doing. All the young people who come in here are brilliant.”

Anybody wishing to support the work of the sanctuary or help raise funds is invited to call 07990 868887 or visit www.sdah.co.uk