Sanctuary fears 'having to put animals down' after eviction notice

SUN 7AM: The sanctuary's owner fears — It’s a race against time to find a new home for the endangered animals (Image: PAWS)

One animal shelter has described the “ticking time bomb” of having just months to find new homes for dozens of animals.

The Pennine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, has been asked by its landlord to vacate its current location.

Struggling to find new homes, staff asked for more time – but were still told to go by February.

Time is running out now.

Sue Curran, center manager and rescue founder, told Metro.co.uk: “It’s a shame to be in this position, this situation hangs over me all the time, every day, all day.

“We only have two or three months now.

“What scares me is that I don’t have to keep animals – I don’t have the easiest of animals that are used to living in a home or without a place of their own.

“I also live on site, I’m on hand 24/7 for the animals, so I won’t be able to live anywhere either.

Staff say the threat of the closure is — PAWS cares for a variety of endangered cats and dogs (Image: PAWS)

The sanctuary is looking for a few acres, a building, good access, utilities and some hope of planning permission (Image: PAWS)

“I can get support from organizations if we get a space, but we just have to own a piece of land to make that happen.”

Due to PAWS’ urgent call for help, a fundraiser has been launched.

Sue hopes to purchase 3-5 acres of land within a 15 mile radius of Todmorden so the sanctuary can continue to support its community.

It must have buildings or a footprint of buildings so they can build bigger and better facilities for the hundreds of animals they rescue every year.

PAWS does outreach work with the local community - and hopes to continue that legacy (Image: PAWS) — PAWS does outreach work with the local community – and hopes to continue that legacy (Image: PAWS)

The sanctuary is desperate for funds to sustain its future (Image: PAWS)

In existence since 2007, PAWS operates in the Calder Valley, Rochdale, Burnley and Halifax areas providing a second chance to unwanted cats and dogs in the area.

As a result of the cost of living crisis, they have received an influx of animals, so much so that they are in the process of opening a pet feed bank.

Susan added: “We currently have 13 kittens, 16 cats and 12 dogs who may face a terrible future if we don’t secure new premises.

“These cats and dogs have been abandoned before; we cannot allow that to happen again.

“We have very limited space and resources, we are on our knees not only physically but mentally as we try to cope with the relentless rescue work coupled with the constant fear of securing our future.”

PAWS also acts as a sanctuary for young people and adults who volunteer to help care for the animals – and Sue had hoped to expand the program to offer more opportunities for both people and animals.

Donations to the sanctuary can be made directly online at:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-paws-1#start

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