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It never rains..
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Ram raid at the sanctuary!
It was yet another wet and miserable August day when eight rescued rams arrived at the sanctuary,
but little did they know that we were about to bring a ray of sunshine into their lives.
The upheaval from their previous abode to the
sanctuary was tinged with some sadness for the
elderly couple who owned them however, because
they had reared them lovingly as pets for
several years. But as they were only too aware, pets
are heavily reliant upon us humans for their meals and
care and with that consideration, the welfare of the rams had to be paramount.
In the turn of events, the local Trading
Standards
stepped in to help, taking control of the
rams and implementing the daunting task of re-homing them; their elderly owners slowly but surely
finding it more and more difficult to feed and take care of them,
as they had in times past.
Their admittance to Woolly Park was a relief to all concerned.
"There are precious few places that can
receive up to eight animals
at once" said a relieved officer, "with funding for most reaching breaking point".
"We're certainly no exception" explained sanctuary founder
Carole Webb, "but my heart will often
rule my head" she mused. Little did she know, that her
Achilles heel was once again
going to turn and kick her bottom, as it had on several prior occasions.
It transpired upon inspection that
the new arrivals were in fact 'entire rams', meaning they would need to be kept separate from
the existing flock until they could be castrated, at a costly sum of £85 each. Carole (and the rams) do have a little breathing space however,
as they will certainly not be meeting the vet until they have settled in from the trauma of a long journey and
their past existence.
The former owners
of the rams, both 86 years old,
have also endured the long journey recently
to visit the sanctuary and inspect for themselves just where their pets have been re-homed.
Arriving via train, it had taken them from 8am until 1.30pm to reach Claverdon Station where Carole greeted them and drove them the several remaining miles
to Woolly Park.
Their return journey that day also proved exhausting for them and they finally reached home at around 8pm.
They had both been naturally upset at the removal of the sheep, but were delighted at the care and conditions
they are now enjoying. Carole assured the couple that she will keep in touch and send them photos of the new charges on a regular basis. |
Arrival day...
Looking a little apprehensive..
Tucking into lunch..
(Please excuse the
rain spots on the above photos)
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..but it pours!
Six ewes savaged by dogs to be saved from further suffering!
The sanctuary is awaiting the arrival of six seriously injured sheep that were savaged by dogs whilst grazing locally. This is the fourth attack on these sheep, which are pedigree
Southdowns. Carole has been asked to take the last remaining six sheep in at Woolly Park once they have recovered from their wounds and the trauma of the attack. Apparently the sheep were chased by
two dogs to the point of exhaustion and then they were savaged at will – one was killed. Another ewe has lost both her ears and has a 12-inch rip to the side of her body and the other five have all been badly mauled and bitten.
In the previous three attacks five ewes were killed and others seriously injured.
Police powerless
Although these dogs were
seen in the vicinity shortly after the attacks, the
police have been powerless to act as they have no
witnesses to the incidents. We personally find it alarming that
these dogs are allowed to roam, apparently unchecked, and
feel sure that the owner must be aware of their dogs'
behaviour.
The owner of the injured sheep has funded the
veterinary costs for these animals, but we would be very
grateful to receive any donations towards their long
term care.
If you would like to help either, or all, of the above new arrivals,
you can make your donation below. Thank you.
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