Plymouth Freemasons from Courtland Lodge who meet in Paignton presented a cheque for £350 to Cora Harvey Kennel Supervisor at the Woodside Animal Welfare Trust in Elfordleigh…
The cheque was presented by Phil Greenway the Charity Steward of Courtland Lodge who was accompanied by David Froud, both of whom own rescue dogs themselves, many other members of the Lodge are or have been members of the services and include dog handlers.
This donation will purchase at least six (6) large bags of Dog food for the Trust which shows just how much the upkeep of a large number of animals can cost.
The Woodside Animal Welfare Trust was founded by Carole Bowles MBE some forty years ago, and cares for many different species of animals, these include Dogs, Cats, rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Sheep, Pigs and many more. The trust is run mainly by volunteers but still incurs huge costs, mainly for veterinary and food requirements and is a registered charity 1143122.
Animal sanctuaries have seen soaring costs as the intake of animals is continuing to rise. Woodside Animal Welfare Trust, based in Elfordleigh Plymouth, is recording the highest number of animals in their care since before the pandemic.
Currently the local sanctuary is caring for a total of 192 animals on site, with fourteen different animal species. The founder of Woodside Animal Welfare Trust, Carole Bowles MBE said the increase is “very worrying” and further explained that it must be due to the, unavoidable, cost of living crisis.
Carole also said the rising number of small and large animals at the shelter is one of their biggest concerns as they count for over half the number of intakes. She also said from the sanctuary’s own experience, and from looking at national statistics, rabbits continue to be one of the most neglected pets.
If the intake increases further, Carol explained that the sanctuary will “struggle” both financially and with space which is what inspired the members of Courtland lodge to make their donation at this time.
W Bro Clive Eden PAGDC
Provincial Grand Communications Officer