SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Good start for New Digs for Dogs appeal

FUNDRAISERS at a South Somerset animal sanctuary have been pleased with the start to their overall £1m New Digs For Dogs appeal.

The Ferne Animal Sanctuary at Wambrook, near Chard, needs to raise £500,000 towards its £1m project to build a new enhanced kennel block, improved grooming and veterinary care room, information hub, social unit, offices, reception and purpose built rehoming centre.

With building plans approved, demolition work to replace the current dilapidated facility started at the site in March.

While an incredible £500,000 will come from the charity’s reserves saved for this purpose, the remaining £500,000 needs to be raised through donations and fund-raising events.

PHOTO - TOP: The New Digs for Dogs logo at Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Work has already started on building the purpose-built rehoming centre at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary director, Jenny Wheadon said: “The Sanctuary is launching its ‘New Digs for Dogs’ Appeal to replace the dated kennels with a purpose-built rehoming centre, which will double its current capacity and provide refuge for even more animals.

“This is the most expensive project the Sanctuary has ever undertaken and we need everyone to please support it in whatever way they can as every penny counts. The present kennels at Ferne Animal Sanctuary are nearly 50 years old – maintenance and repair is constantly required and they have become uneconomical to run. The building will not withstand another winter.

“It would be nice to think that the need for places like Ferne is diminishing but, unfortunately, the reverse is true and the opportunity to improve facilities and take care of our four-legged friends using much improved, 21^st century technology is an exciting challenge.”

Ferne Animal Sanctuary currently provides a safe and comfortable home for over 300 unwanted and abandoned animals.

During 2013, Ferne Animal Sanctuary found homes for 343 unwanted dogs and cats, as well as foster homes for 13 horses.

It receives animals and finds homes for them within a 40-mile radius of Chard, which includes Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Fundraising packs and details of how to donate can be obtained by calling Ferne Animal Sanctuary on 01460 65214 or by clicking on Ferne's advert/logo on the right-hand side of this website.

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