These are some of the animals who are desperately looking for their forever home in a North Wales rescue centre.
The Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre in Nebo, Gwynedd, deal predominantly with abandoned, neglected and unwanted cats and kittens with between 70 and 80 felines in residence at any one time. They also provide shelter to approximately 32 horses and ponies who have ended up at the centre after being abandoned, abused or neglected.
Just last month a one-year-old cat was taken in by the Gwynedd team after being found taped inside a cardboard box with no air holes in Porthmadog. The next day cattery staff discovered that the cat, now known as Pixie, had given birth to two tiny kittens.
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Thankfully, Pixie went on to find a home, as did her litter, but there are so many animals at the centre who still need to be rehomed. Statistics show that for every cat or kitten that goes to its new home, there are 10 more vying for a place at the centre.
During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, many people found themselves at a loose end and bought animals as a way to occupy themselves, or to help towards the loneliness of lockdown. But once things got back to normal, people soon realised that they might not have time to dedicate themselves to a pet.
On the other hand, the pandemic affected some families to such an extent that they simply could not afford to look after their animals in the ways they deserved. And now, with the cost of living going up dramatically, it’s understandable that some pet owners are concerned about how they’re going to make ends meet.
Meetsome of the animals at Freshfields who desperately need a new home by taking a look at them in our gallery here.
Grants & PR Coordinator for Freshfields, Debbie Hughes, now wants to encourage pet owners to seek help from the centre and “not be ashamed of their circumstances” if they feel that they are no longer able to care for their pet. She added that there is “no judgement” on anyone who wants to give their pet a better life than they can offer.
Ms Hughes said: “The coronavirus pandemic has shaped our world in ways we couldn’t imagine two years ago. The public have come to rely more than ever on Freshfields as the first port of call; a local community resource where they can bring an abandoned animal in desperate need and know that they will be treated with compassion and excellent medical care.
“We expect that over the coming months many more pets will lose their owners, or be given up to rescue centres, as a result of long-term ill-health, increased unemployment, domestic abuse, relationship breakdown or loss of homes. If you are struggling to care for your pet, we may be able to help or signpost you to appropriate resources.
If anyone is interested in offering an animal a home you can contact Freshfields on 01286 880808 or email wales@freshfields.org.uk for more information.
“We aren’t here to judge you, and we know that anyone’s circumstances can change, we all want what’s best for the animals. Throughout lockdown we at Freshfields have been very moved by how our animal-loving local community has come together with compassion and care, to help the animals who need us every day.
“There are so many ways in which you can help – never let it be said that any donation or gift is too small; it all adds up to the food, medicine, safety and love that any animal needs before we find them a wonderful new home. There are some very small and simple ways to contribute; you can like us on Facebook, or sponsor an animal for a few pounds a month, or simply choose us as your charity on Amazon Smile!
“We want to say a huge thank you to the people who keep our doors open at Freshfields, so that we can welcome and care for hundreds of animals every year.”
