PETS


For the neglected they continue to care


at Thornberry Animal Sanctuary


Litters of unwanted kittens, puppies and rabbits dumped in cardboard boxes at the gate by greedy breeders. Sad, scrawny and sorry-looking dogs tied up to fence posts wondering when their owners will be back to take them home. Desperate pleas from the struggling public to help save an animal in times of need. Just another average day at Thornberry.


Henry the eight-month old Rottweiler For thirty years, Thornberry Animal Sanctuary


has been providing refuge for the thousands of unwanted, neglected, abandoned and abused animals that have found themselves in their care through no fault of their own. Along with rescuing, rehabilitating and re-


homing the many animals that come to them, the staff at Thornberry Animal Sanctuary have also dedicated the last three decades to educating the public about the importance of improving animal welfare to stop so many other pets finding themselves facing an uncertain future in the kennels. The sanctuary was unofficially started in


1988 and became a registered charity over 20 years later in 2009. Today, it is run by a team of professional animal care staff who are supported by trustees who take care of management, funding and finances. Based at North Anston, Thornberry provides


temporary accommodation and care for dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets until they go on to be adopted and find a forever home. They also have a 40-acre equine centre at Ravenfield where they take in horses and ponies who are free to roam around. Over the years, the dedicated staff have


notched up thousands of success stories by investing time, knowledge and care to help turn traumatised animals into altogether more contented characters. Just last year, they found forever homes for


190 cats and kittens, 117 dogs and puppies, 42 rabbits and 23 horses and ponies. Yet the number of cases they receive never


seems to wane. Working tirelessly every day to improve the


behaviour of the animals in their care, the staff devote their lives to the many different breeds


76 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk


who find themselves on Thornberry’s doorstep with the aim of putting them firmly on track to better things. Following an initial assessment, the trained


staff look at health, social skills and basic behavioural traits after dealing with any immediate concerns such as illness or injury. A training plan is then put into in place to tackle


any deep-rooted issues that may have been brought about by fear, neglect or mistreatment which, if ignored, could entirely blight their chances of that longed-for happier life and loving new home. Just like raising a child, instilling routine,


manners and discipline can of course be quite a challenge but it’s a vital part of the process. Young animals are carefully weaned from their


mums to guide them towards independence while anti-social tendencies at any age are


‘‘Just last year, they found forever homes for 190 cats and kittens, 117 dogs and puppies, 42 rabbits and 23 horses and ponies’’


explored and addressed with effort and patience. From the basics of listening to commands


such as sit, lay down and paw, to helping animals with separation anxieties come to terms with being left on their own from time-to-time, the work involved goes far beyond a warm bed and a little TLC. This approach continues at the equine centre


where horses and ponies are put through their paces and properly prepared for tack - a crucial


stage in their development. If not introduced properly, a bad experience can affect the animals for the rest of their lives, making them difficult or even impossible to saddle or ride. Other thorny issues, such as a fear of


horseboxes, can often be overcome with a little knowhow and gentle persuasion. It is surprising how even the most disturbed of horses can start afresh so quickly with just a bit of quiet and a calming routine. Even after lots of training and hard work, the


resident pets don’t profess to be pawfect; big or small, loud or quiet, most have a troubled and temperamental past. But they also have eyes that see, hearts that


feel and lots of love to give – with all deserving a happy, healthy future. There’s Henry the eight-month old Rottweiler, a


gentle giant who weighs over 50kg already. Due to his size, Henry’s owner could no longer cope with the demands of such a big dog and so he found himself brought to Thornberry in July. He may look like a boisterous brute on the


outside but appearances can be deceiving. He’s a loving puppy with a heart of gold who has a great temperament and is good with children. He’s a quick learner and is already house-trained but would need a strong and committed owner willing to carry on his basic training. Many animals, like nine-year-old lurcher


cross, Mabel, find themselves at the sanctuary for years, much to the confusion of staff who see these beautiful, loving animals every day. As an old girl, kennels aren’t the right environment for Mabel who suffers with her joints. What she really needs is a comfy sofa and lots of cuddles in a quiet, pet-free home – with maybe a few tennis balls to play with and a couple of short walks a day.


Nine year old Lurcher-cross, Mabel


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