This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Repairs needed to keep B.A.R.K.S. cats safe, warm and dry this winter
05/12/2023
The cattery has been in use for sixteen years and now needs urgent repairs
B.A.R.K.S. – the animal rescue service in Bodicote – is facing a bill of around £3,000 for repairs to their cattery. The work is needed to keep the feline guests safe, warm and dry this winter.
Over the past 16 years thousands of cats have stayed at B.A.R.K.S. after being found stray or abandoned by their owners. Many have gone on to find new, loving homes.
Like all well used accommodation the cattery now requires some TLC. Already the pens have been fitted with a new roof and some work has been undertaken on the electrical equipment. More work in this area is yet to be completed, along with new flooring. To date this has cost over £2,000.
Each pen can house up to 4 adult cats and the cattery contains 6 pens. All of these need to be fully operational over the next few months as the service is seeing unprecedented demand.
Theresa Grant from B.A.R.K.S. said: “In the 16 years I’ve been doing it it’s the worst ever. All rescue centres will tell you the same. Its not just cats, its dogs, its rabbits.
“It’s a knock on from COVID when people got pets for company. Then, with the cost-of-living crisis, I could take 20 cats a week from the calls I’m getting at the moment.
“People adopting cats has also slowed down because of the cost-of-living.”
Theresa is hoping people will donate towards the costs of the repairs and has set up a GoFundMe page.
She’s also asking people to think carefully before deciding to buy a pet for Christmas: “If you’re not prepared to give it a life commitment, don’t. Cats can live well into their twenties, I have a rabbit who’s fourteen years old, and dogs can go into their late teens.
“It is a life commitment to your animal. They become part of the family. You don’t just get rid of them. If you can’t give it the commitment please, please do not get a pet for Christmas.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam
James Duong (pawpaw) On 05/12/2023 at 11:59 am
thank you theresa for provinding such essential care for these loving animals. i have in place a regular subscription payment to BARKS to assist with your effort.
Theresa Grant On 06/12/2023 at 10:48 am
thank you so much James
Louise On 06/12/2023 at 7:52 am
such a shame you wouldn’t help me catch a local stay last year that has been aboundon. it’s still on the streets this year looking very sad again.
Gill On 07/12/2023 at 10:27 am
That isn’t a very kind comment to put on, if you ask for help, there are always people around that can help, whether it’s putting you in touch with someone else or helping you themselves, there are lots of networks, people always know someone, you just have to ask around and put in some effort yourself, it’s not fair to lay the guilt on an organisation that is already helping as much as they can.
Theresa Grant On 06/12/2023 at 10:48 am
hi Louise , I’m sure if I was unable to help I would have put you onto the cats protection, but if you still need help I do have a trap available you could borrow