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Dougal's Pet Corner
The place for your pet stories and pictures, let me have them |
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Redwings has rescued ponies and foals in pitiful condition
from impulsive owners who have put their child’s wish for a pony before the welfare
of the animal, |
only to find that they have neither the time
nor the money to give the animal the attention it needs. Ponies are often treated like
bicycles, ridden around the block and returned to the shed until the child wants to play
again.
Redwings is concerned about the way many horses and ponies are used, then sold on and on
– until all too often they reach the end of the line. Shetland ponies seem to be one
such animal that suffers as a result of rash decisions because they are mistakenly thought
to be the ideal child’s pony. People often laugh at Thelwell cartoons with small
children being bounced uncontrollably upon ponies far too strong for them to handle. In
reality, Thelwell has studied his subject well and his drawings are very true to life.
Anyone who would like their child to own a pony but does not have suitable accommodation
for it or a sound equine knowledge, should find a licensed riding school where the pony
will receive feeding and care, with the child receiving safe instruction under controlled
conditions. This should lead to a better relationship between pony and rider. The pony
Club is a highly recommended organisation which gives children the chance to become better
educated in horse management and riding skills, and is an invaluable way of meeting new
friends. Parents who are considering buying their children a pony should remember that the
costs are similar to buying a second family car.
The most important thing to consider is the time and attention a pony will need. Stables
have to be mucked out daily, droppings have to be removed from paddocks, fencing has to be
maintained and you must check grazing regularly for Ragwort and other poisonous plants.
Ponies have to be fed at a regular time everyday, they need grooming and exercise and most
importantly all these things have to be done 365 days a year.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Hapton, Norwich, NR15 1SP
Telephone: 01508 481000: Fax: 0870 458 1947
General Email: info@redwings.co.uk |
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Most people are now aware that we offer help with the cost
of neutering. However, you may not know that we give assistance to ‘feral
colonies’. These very often arise because un-neutered cats stray or are abandoned by
their owners when they become pregnant. |
Two little cats living at the bottom of the
garden or even on a farm, can soon become a pregnant twenty-two, and then you have a
problem!
Last year we helped with four colonies, one in someone’s garden, one on a farm, one
at a holiday camp and one on a caravan site. In each instance we contacted our Head Office
for help with the cost of neutering and cat traps and special baskets to catch and
transport the cats to the vets. Kittens old enough to leave their mother, plus some older
kittens and young cats were taken into care, socialised and put up for adoption. The cats,
which were returned to their original site, were wormed and de-flea’d before release
and are all being fed and cared for the people who originally contacted us. We are now
giving assistance to a further colony at Cromer, which contains 27 cats. Assuming several
are female, consider how many cats there could be if nothing was done. Diseases and
interbreeding could also occur in a very short time if no action was taken.
Barney and Kitty (who is now a Sheringham cat), two of our ‘golden oldies’ were
among the 12 cats re-homed since our last article. Timmy a lovely tabby/white lad has now
joined Tucker. Timmy is not in the best of condition at present and has already had two
teeth removed. Although we were given to understand that he was 8-10 years old, we believe
he could be older.
Also awaiting homes are;
Spider, a sleek black girl with lovely green eyes, age about 2 years. Spider came to us
with her two kittens, having been abandoned by her owners. Her kittens both found new
homes and she is now available.
Marmite, this lovely boy is also black and also about two years old. However he is
longhaired with a beautiful bushy tail. Marmite loves to play and will make someone a
lovely companion. If you are looking for a cat, call Stephanie on 01692 535858.
Alternatively you can visit www.northwalshamcats.co.uk
(please note our new web address) for a description of the cats before giving her a call.
At present we have no kittens. |
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TO LET - LONG TERM
3 Bedroomed Cottage
Excellent Condition in Central Sheringham
Unfurnished - Non Smoking
References Required
£495 P.C.M.
Phone 01263 821 140 |
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