We're full to capacity, says Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary owner

AN animal sanctuary near West Auckland is full to capacity after a busy festive season.

Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary, the home of Bildershaw Animal Rescue, was inundated with cats last month, bringing the total number of animals on site to about 200.

Owner Kevin Plummer, 52, says they simply can’t take anymore.

He said: “Christmas has been hectic because we stop sending animals out. We don’t like rehoming over Christmas.

“In the lead up, we got a lots of cats, to the point where we had to say we couldn’t take anymore.

“I do pass people on to other sanctuaries but I know they are full as well. We now have about 30 cats.”

Alongside the cats, the sanctuary is also home to owls, rabbits, chickens, ducks, ferrets, meerkats, raccoons, a skunk, squirrels and reptiles to name a few.

Mr Plummer said: “We have also had dogs which have been dumped which we have had to pass on to Stray Aid.

“In the past we’ve found dog leads tied to the gates but the end has been chewed off and the animal has gone. We’ve also had cats dumped in boxes.

“We are struggling all the time with space.”

For the past 11 years, Mr Plummer has dedicated his life to the sanctuary.

After taking a back seat last year due to health reasons, Mr Plummer has since returned to the site.

His son, Colin, had taken over for a short spell but was no longer able to continue, prompting Mr Plummer’s return.

He said: “I came back because I don’t have it in my heart to put the animals to sleep. There would be nowhere for them to go.

“I believe an animal is for life. The way I was brought up was that we got an animal and it was with you regardless.

“There will always be some exceptional cases but it seems people can get rid of them too easily. They are very disposable nowadays. We rehome cats and rabbits the most. We try not to take many rabbits in because they are difficult to rehome.

“Everyone wants to hold a fluffy bunny. Once they get to one year old we are stuck with them.

“This time of year we get people who have rabbits in the garden who don’t want to go out and feed them in the cold. They find it is easier to get rid of it and get another in the spring.”

The 15-acre site is run by volunteers and relies on donations to cover its £2,000-a-month running costs.

Mr Plummer said: “Donations are the only money we get. It is hard. We have to rely on tombolas and other little things but everyone is relying on these. We are always looking for food and bedding. We could not do it without our volunteers.”

Due to licensing requirements, the site is only open to the public seven days a year. The next open day will be in February.