A SOCIAL media appeal in the wake of the slaughter of a flock of geese at a dale animal shelter has resulted in thousands of pounds being raised for a security system.
A state-of-the-art CCTV system was installed at Wetheriggs Animal Sanctuary last week to deter future attacks on the creatures housed there. Volunteers at the centre, near Greta Bridge, were left shocked after the massacre of 25 geese, mostly goslings, in July. The remaining geese in the outdoor pen were left traumatised in the wake of the attack. Terry Bowes, of Wetheriggs, launched a crowd-funding appeal on social media soon afterwards which attracted more than £3,000 to install a new security system.
Mr Bowes said: “The response has been fantastic.
“Some of it came from volunteers, which is amazing. We now have three CCTV screens and a fourth to come.”
The cameras cover the entire centre and are programmed to detect and follow movement. They are also equipped with night vision, meaning movement can be tracked in the dark. A camera in the outdoor fields is able to travel through a 180 degree arc ensuring all pens and paddocks are covered. The cameras are monitored by staff and volunteers. Mr Bowes said: “We have had a lot of support locally and from our volunteers – we are always looking for volunteers.”
About 40 people help out regularly at the sanctuary in areas such as animal husbandry, estate skills, administration, retail and education.
Rex Brenan, who joined four years ago after reading about the impact of a particularly harsh winter on the shelter and currently spends three days a week there, said he enjoys the banter.
He added: “One of the real tests of being a volunteer is having to listen to Terry’s jokes. You meet a lot of nice people and I enjoy working with the animals, especially the pigs. I don’t know what I would do without coming here.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Mr Bowes on 01833 627444.
