Harwich News

Mistley: Plea not to abandon pets

9:00am Saturday 31st July 2010

A RESCUE centre has pleaded for pet owners not to abandon their animals in the recession.

Maureen Taylor, who runs Mistley Place Park, raised concerns after a spate of animals being dropped over the centre’s fence.

"People use the recession as an excuse to dump their pets as if they're disposable like kitchen roll,” she said.

“It happens too much.

“Just recently a lady walking her dog found three young silky cockerels in a cardboard box.

“They were young and wouldn't of survived the night - they could of been eaten by a fox or attacked by a dog."

The young rare breed cockerels were found on last week in a Chelmsford field and are currently residing at the Mistley rescue centre and are in need of a new home.

Mrs Taylor and her husband now check their grounds daily for any abandoned animals as well as nearby fields after recently finding rabbits, kittens, ferrets, dogs and other cockerels.

But the pair have pleaded with pet owners not to abandon their animals if they can no longer afford veterinary bills.

“Please do not abandon your animals, just be honest and take them to your local rescue shelter,” added Mrs Taylor.

"You shouldn't be turned away, many shelters understand the problems pet owners have.

"By leaving them outside, your putting them at an unnecessary risk, If they are handed straight to the centre they can be cared and treated for."

If you are interested in offering a home to an animal; especially cockerels, rabbits, kittens and Staffordshire bull terriers contact Mistley Place Park on 01206 396048.

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