Snowdonia Animal Sanctuary hits back at 'bully dog breeding misinformation'
A previous version of this article referred to Snowdonia Animal Sanctuary as a "charity". This was incorrect. Although the shelter ran on a not-for-profit basis, it was not a registered charity. We are happy to clarify this and apologise for the error. The article has been amended accordingly.
A North Wales animal shelter has hit back at what it calls "misinformation" circulating on social media about the breeding of bully dogs; use of donations and the very future of the site. Snowdonia Animal Sanctuary, at Capel Garmon, near Llanrwst, posted a statement on its Facebook page, to "clear up some of the misinformation that has been put on Facebook recently".
The shelter - which runs on a not-for-profit basis, and depends on donations was founded by Anne de Berry more than 20 years ago. In January it was was damaged during Storm Isha, which prompted a fundraising campaign to help repair the damage.
Now, in a statement posted on the sanctuary's Facebook page, written on behalf of the Anne, the site has refuted a number of allegations it said were posted on Facebook in the wake of an RSPCA inspection which took place in March. The RSPCA has confirmed it visited the premises.
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The statement reads: "As many of you may be aware, Anne has had a very bad spell of ill heath over the past few months. As a family (daughter/grandchildren), we have stepped in to care for Anne to help her recover and enable her return home. We have taken on assisting the already amazing network of volunteers that help out at the sanctuary every day in caring and rehoming dogs that are in need with the same (no kill policy)
"Whist this has been happening, we would just like to clarify a few things that have happened recently and have been brought to our attention.
"Firstly, in regards to the most recent enquiries: Yes, we did have a visit from the RSPCA due to false allegations that we were breeding bully breeds at the Sanctuary. On attendance of the RSPCA, they identified that this was not the case and have cleared the sanctuary to carry on, giving the same care to the animals as always.
"Secondly, No, the sanctuary is not closing. We will carry on working with the community and volunteers to keep helping dogs going forward and when Anne has made a recovery she will be returning home to keep the sanctuary going as she has for the last 22 years.
"Finally. To the Reports that donations are being misused. Any donations that have been donated are used directly on the animals and their care, this happens in many forms whether it's buying supplies or paying for vet bills for dogs that have been rescued in ill heath. These donations are vital to keep the sanctuary running on a day to day basis. Donations don't always need to be of monetary value. Donating food/ bedding and time are also amazing.
"To end, on behalf of Anne and the team and residents at Snowdonia Animal Sanctuary, we hope this clarification is helpful to clear up some of the misinformation that has been put on Facebook recently. Thank you all for the continued support."
An RSPCA Cymru spokesperson said: "“RSPCA Inspectors attended on 21 March with officers from North Wales Police. Unfortunately we are unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may have been taken for legal reasons. We will always look into animal welfare concerns reported to us and where necessary investigate.
“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.
“A lot of the time issues will be dealt with by advice and education and it is not always appropriate to publicise this information for legal reasons.”
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