Lincs Ark Animal Welfare celebrates 21 years rescuing animals in South Holland
Kind-hearted volunteers have been caring for vulnerable animals for more than two decades – and are now hoping to raise awareness about the widespread neglect of rabbits.
After founders set up the charity in 2002, Lincs Ark Animal Welfare is now celebrating 21 years of caring for vulnerable animals in our area.
The charity focuses on rescuing cats, kittens and rabbits in this area - mainly in and around Spalding, Boston and Holbeach – and is currently caring for 105 once-neglected and abandoned animals.
The volunteer-run Lincs Ark is always looking for foster carers and donations.
Julie Brookes, chairperson of the charity, said: “Like most small charities we are totally funded by donations. Genuinely the public are brilliant – we have some excellent supporters.”
The registered charity often get contacted by people who want to surrender their animal or if its a stray.
It will then be handed in and passed onto the relevant volunteers and foster carers before going on to be rehomed with a new family.
Julie explained that once a cat or rabbit come into their care with injuries, they will treat them accordingly and never get rid of the animal for being too unwell.
The charity is currently aiming to raise awareness for the right way of looking after and caring for rabbits.
Rabbit coordinator and foster carer, Lisa said: “People don’t realise how much hard work rabbits actually are – then a few months later they bring them back into our care.
“There is a lack of awareness - rabbits are easy animals but they shouldn't be kept it a hutch or cage for a long period of time.”
Lisa explained rabbits are the third most popular pet in England - but they are also the most neglected.
She added: “If you are looking into getting a rabbit you need to make sure they will have a decent sized hutch or shed with an attached fox proof run, they can get into all the time.”
Members of the charity are also appealing for funding towards a new project called ‘Neuter 4 the future’ which aims to help reduce kittens and cats being used for interbreeding and stopping unwanted animals being mistreated.
Lisa said: “As far as the knock on effects from covid – veterinary costs have gone up and that has not helped with people getting their cats and rabbits neutered.”
Julie added: “Roughly it ranges from £800 a month, to in the summer we can spend £4000 a month on vets bills.”
For more information on how to give a donation to the charity, foster or adopt, visit the Lincs Ark Animal Welfare website.
