Great Disruption has Befallen the Sanctuary

In our last News Letter we told you of the problems we were having with the Paint Ball and War Games fiasco situated opposite the sanctuary on the narrow country lane and in the midst of the small valley where normally our horses, ponies and donkeys graze in relative peace. Some of our horses had been paint balled, and how the noise and debris from the bombs had descended on to the roofs of the stables and into the yard, causing great distress to many of our animals including the goats, which badly affected our sanctuary and all the nearby villagers 

The Council placed an enforcement order on the project as no planning permission had been sought for such activities.  The people involved decided to appeal to the Welsh Office. Hundreds of people put their objections in writing including ourselves.  After waiting several months finally the answer came back, the appeal has been dismissed and the enforcement order upheld.  All vehicles and the such had to be removed within 56 days.  The time is up but nothing has been removed.  We hear that they are going to carry on regardless but it has been very quiet there apart from the dog in his cage, next to the calves (young bulls now) who continuously barks at passers by and hurls himself against the metal enclosure. Sadly one of their little calves died, but at least the others are now able to go into the field to graze. (I just hope they have been castrated, as bulls are quite unpredictable and dangerous). 

The whole matter now is proceeding to the Magistrates Court as the Council are taking the necessary legal action against them.

 Such war game activity has had a dire affect on the fund-raising at the sanctuary itself, we could not invite the general public onto our premises in case of injury by sudden explosions etc. so no Open Days, Children's Parties, Saturday afternoon kids club  (although we have restarted this now) or other could be organised, thus causing a great loss of income for the charity.  Although the volunteers have worked hard in other areas  this loss has caused much hardship which seems impossible to make up. 

Sadly also, three of H.A.C.K. volunteers have left because of the danger and the situations they have found themselves in.  We allowed Jo to take Sonny with her to a Livery Yard in Rossett, where she continues her dedication to his welfare and has admirably dealt with his on going health problems, all at her own expense, although the loss of such a good volunteer has also had an affect of the charity..