Kitten crisis at animal sanctuary

An animal sanctuary in Barrow Gurney is in a state of emergency, overflowing with abandoned and unwanted cats and kittens.

Holly Hedge had 106 cats and kittens at the last count, with an ever-growing waiting list of would-be residents.

“We’re passionate about protecting all of them, but the effort is non-stop and the bills are mounting,” says Holly Hedge’s Hannah Wozniak.

These bills are for food, emergency medical care, vaccinations, microchipping, neutering and extra staff costs, with veterinary bills last year alone costing more than £90,000.

Holly tells the tale of four-month-old Peanut (pictured above) who arrived at Holly Hedge with just one eye and was given emergency eye surgery.

Olivia was only eight months old herself when she gave birth in the footwell of a car.

Sausage is a stray who was being fed by a kind lady and finally felt safe enough to give birth under her bed, which was when Holly Hedge staff collected her.

Grace was about to be neutered when it was realised she was already pregnant. She had kittens three days after she arrived at Holly Hedge.

And Emily came to Holly Hedge when she heavily pregnant. A fox had eaten her last litter.

“For those of us working at Holly Hedge, these stories are all too common,” Hannah says.

“When they first arrive, many of our cats are distressed by their experiences. They quickly sense that they are now looked after and safe but all are desperate to move on to a new and loving home, with people who care.

“Until that big day comes, we provide for their every need, offering food, warmth and security, as well as medical treatment, vaccinations and microchipping, and lots of one-to-one care, attention, cuddles and love.

“Providing shelter from harm and the promise of a brighter future is at the core of Holly Hedge’s existence and we strive to make a sad and bad situation better and brighter for every cat or kitten that comes our way.

“But passion, commitment and sheer physical effort just aren’t enough.”

If you can help fund the work of Holly Hedge, find out more about donating by visiting www.hollyhedge.org.uk or go to our kitten crisis campaign page at www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/hollyhedge/getmeowtahere

You can also text HHKC17 £10 to 70070 to donate to the Holly Hedge Kitten Crisis campaign.

Take part in our reader survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/B247 to be in with a chance of winning a meal for two.