Salford animal sanctuary faces ‘wipe out’ as costs rise

An Irlam animal sanctuary dedicated to caring for both pets and wildlife is calling for support due to rising costs. 

The charity Animal in Distress is calling for public donations with the fear this winter that the the sanctuary would be be “wiped out”.

The charity is partially operating from Silver Street in Irlam, and has been looking after animals for more than 57 years.

And as the winter months draw in, the rising costs are proving to impact the funding for resources and facilities to cater for the animals.

The need for funding is essential, as the sanctuary in Irlam focuses on domestic animals, looking after more than 100 animals, with the main site located in Littleborough, Rochdale, also catering for more than 350 injured animals.

The support they provide to injured animals is vital, but as costs rise the centres are struggling to cope with the stretched resources, as Christina Durham, who manages the 24-hour emergency service said: “Days change very quickly based on the phone calls you get in.”

Many cases involve road accidents where owners are rarely found. Most animals are treated and given time to heal before beginning the rehoming process.

However, these procedures can be costly—a broken leg might cost over £250, and an X-ray around £60.

As she continued: “With the amount of vet bills, animal feeds, and repairs for general day-to-day needs – it’s so expensive.”

But she has stressed that without the financial support, that the charity will struggle to remain open and could be “wiped out”.

The sanctuaries have cared for a wide range of wildlife, from kestrels and owls to a marmoset monkey.

They once nearly ended up with two elephants that had escaped a circus in Stockport. All animals are welcomed.

The sanctuary’s core value being to alleviate the suffering of animals that have no voice for themselves.

To donate to Animals In Distress, follow the link here.