Cutbacks for rescue centre (From The Argus)

Cutbacks for rescue centre

2:01pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008 in

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An animal rescue service has been forced to cut back on the number of cases it deals with because of a shortage of volunteers.

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) says the move is only temporary but has been forced on it after dealing with about 800 more incidents than last year.

The WRAS has dealt with more than 2,100 incidents this year, almost as high as the total for the whole of 2007.

Its care centre at Horsebridge, near Hailsham, is full and there is a shortage of volunteers because of the summer holidays.

Its management committee said it had made the decision to restrict services reluctantly.

Chairwoman Sue Wilkinson said: “We will only be able to deal with a limited number of casualties over the next few weeks depending on what facilities become available both in our unit and neighbouring rescue centres.

“WRAS is not shutting down in any way but we have to pause and take stock of what has become a large operation and recuperate funds.

“Rest assured, the management committee strongly believe in WRAS, its aims and the hard work of its volunteers and are fighting for WRAS to continue its excellent service.

“However, we cannot continue to deal with an average of 25 call-outs a day without increasing the kind and generous donations which are received. We urgently need your help.”

Group founder Trevor Weeks, who has been rescuing animals for 23 years, is now paying for the petrol in his ambulance to keep it on the road and has taken time off work to help raise funds.

He said: “WRAS provides a vital service which would otherwise see thousands of animals die and suffer. I must apologise to anyone who we are not able to help in the short-term.

“I do feel extremely guilty about not being able to respond to all call-outs but if WRAS is to survive it needs to limit what it does until further support and funding can be found.”

Anyone interested in helping should call 07815 078234 or visit www.wildlifeambulance.org.

The group has organised a fundraising charity dog show at the Dicker village hall, Coldharbour Road, Upper Dicker, on Sunday from noon.