News
Pets ‘victims of downturn’
CATS and dogs – even rabbits – have become the latest victims of our “throwaway society”. Statistics from the RSPCAat Ley- bourne and Headcorn reveal how the economic downturn has hit man’s alleged best friend, but there is also a huge increase in the num- ber of cats, rabbits and other small animals being brought in by in- spectors. The charity’s cattery at Headcorn – which can accommo- date up to 72 cats and kittens – is bursting at the seams, with cats being sent out to private catteries until they can be re-homed. Manager Christine Dooley has
never had to have an animal put down in her 18 years at Leybourne, but says the situation is getting in- creasingly difficult. The RSPCA can no longer accept animals from individuals – such as divorcing couples – as the influx from inspectors is already so high. She said: “Sadly, every species is suffering as a result of our throw- away society. People get cats or rab- bits, believing them to be more independent and less time-con-
suming than dogs, but then neglect things like routine health care or pet insurance, which leads to costly vets’ bills. “Owners who let their un- neutered cats roam free can expect a greater incidence of injury as they seek to find a mate, and also get diseases from abscesses, fleas, ticks andworms. “The cats then go on to produce
litters of kittens, and so it goes on.” “People end up with a multi-cat household and find they just can- not cope any more.”
MAIDSTONE has been rewarded for its initiatives to get the borough working. The council received the commu-
nity support (large employer) award at the Kent Employer Part- nership Awards, in addition to being highly commended in the skills and training category. Maidstone Council has been
working with Maidstone Jobcentre Plus to help unemployed people in the borough find work, and to pro- vide support to residents through the recent benefit changes. One of the initiatives has been to provide coffee mornings and work experience for local young people. Here, unemployed young people
can meet senior council managers and discuss possible work place-
Pastors on patrol
MAIDSTONE’S street pastors came to the aid of 24 barefooted revellers in the town centre during April. The volunteer group handed out
24 pairs of flipflops, 25 water bot- tles and seven foil blankets. It also provided nine sick bags and col- lected 310 bottles and glasses.
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ments and how to enhance their prospects. As a result, more than 30 young people have been offered work placements with the council, with more than 50% of those going on to secure employment. Young people are also offered on-
going mentoring, with 20 volunteer mentors trained within the council. Maidstone Council’s director of regeneration and communities Zena Cooke said: “We’re proud of our work experience and mentoring record, which has had excellent re- sults getting young people locally into work, and our strong partner- shipworking to support residents.” More than 5,000 jobseekers at- tended “Get Maidstone Working” jobs fairs in partnership with Job- centre Plus and Golding Homes.
Open studios
MAIDSTONE artists are among those opening their doors this month for South East Open Studios season. In Yalding, Sue Williams will be showing her botanical paintings, while in Laddingford, Carol Rob- son works in watercolours, mixed media and digital art. Sue works from Russet House, Lughorse Lane, while Carol is at 2 West Pikefish Cottages, Pikefish Lane. Details at
www.seos-art.org.
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