A WIRRAL animal rescue that is losing its home in just over three weeks has insisted that it “will not be euthanising any of its 50 dogs”.
Last week, Celandine Wood Animal Rescue (CWAR) was told it would have to vacate its shelter in Heswall and find a new home for its animals.
The organisation which is run entirely by volunteers has 50 dogs in its care and also takes in cats and wildlife from Merseyside and beyond.
READ: Wirral animal rescue centre issues appeal to save 50 dogs following closure
The rescue urged anyone able to foster or adopt a dog to get in touch and launched a fundraising appeal to raise £500,000 to set up a new shelter by June 14 when it must vacate.
Following the news, the centre said it received many messages of concern from people after an Instagram user suggested the dogs would be destroyed.
Founder, vet Dr Sharon Williams, said: “The person who posted this clearly had her heart in the right place and wanted to urge people to save our dogs which we really appreciate.
“We just want to clarify that my ethos as a vet, and now of our newly-formed rescue, is that we never, ever will put a healthy dog down.
“Thankfully, it was an Instagram story which has disappeared, but we just wanted to make our stance clear.
"The Celandine team are working round the clock to find a solution to us losing our home.
We're hoping to find foster or adoption homes for our most re-homable dogs. But there are a number of dogs with behavioural issues that are not yet ready for rehoming.
“We desperately need money for a new place for them and to have kennels for more animals coming in.”
CWAR had been allowed to use its current premises since last November by a local landowner, but now the land is being sold.
Rescuers have been frantically trying to fundraise and organise new premises – and they are urging the community to back them.
At any one time, CWAR has 50 to 80 dogs, 40 cats and 40 wildlife that are housed in its centre or with foster carers.
Dr Williams added: “We desperately need donations and people to organise fundraising activities with their friends, family or colleagues.
“We would love for local businesses to support us – please organise a fundraiser with your staff or customers. And please get in touch about sponsorship opportunities.”
The rescue was officially set up a year ago to cope with the surge in abandonment cases due to the fallout from the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and the XL bully ban.Now, CWAR plans to built a permanent facility that will quadruple rescue spaces.
Dr Williams said: “There is a daily deluge of animals being abandoned in Merseyside and nationally.
“It breaks our heart that we can’t help them all. Our goal is to grow the rescue to be in a position where we never turn away an animal in need.”
Anyone wanting to donate can visit CWAR’s GoFundMe, while those wanting to apply to adopt or foster a dog or cat can visit their website.
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