04/05/2011

'Walkies' To Back Animal Sanctuary

A Co Antrim animal welfare charity is hoping for a good turnout for their annual sponsored walk.

Taking place on Saturday, May 14, Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary (CLAS) near Antrim town, will be holding the event that will see participants leave the sanctuary at 1pm and follow a four-mile route through beautiful countryside and arrive back at the sanctuary for light refreshments.

A statement said that everyone is welcome - including pets - but dogs must be kept on leads, (with an earlier fund-raiser pictured).

CLAS will be celebrating 15 years as a registered charity later this year and it is hoped that the public will come out to support Crosskennan, the only equine welfare charity based in Northern Ireland.

The charity has had its busiest year ever after rescuing 24 mares and foals from a Mallusk farm in September, the sanctuary's equine expertise was called upon again to rescue 15 ponies, most of which are young stock, in November.

A spokesperson said: "Volunteers receive on average six calls or emails every day either reporting abandoned and neglected animals or from owners who cannot keep their horses anymore.

"Help is needed to work hands on with the rescued horses, dogs and cats and also with fundraising, if the crucial animal welfare work is to be continued," noting that anyone who cannot make it to the sponsored walk could sponsor some of the charity's rescued horses and dogs that will be following the route with the volunteers.

For a sponsorship form email Crosskennan@hotmail.co.uk or ring 07812 982102 and a form will be posted out.

(BMcC/GK)

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