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Antrim
'We are in the midst of a crisis': Sanctuary for 170 horses facing closure
The sanctuary has had a “no kill” policy since its beginning but its founder now fears for the futures of the animals she has cared for.
AN ANIMAL SANCTUARY in Antrim which provides food and shelter for almost 170 horses and ponies is facing closure as funds at the charity dwindle.
Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary’s founder Lyn Friel said it costs £25,000 per month to run the shelter which is home to a large number of dogs, cats, rabbits and chickens as well as the horses.
She now says she is struggling under the burden of substantial debt and if finances don’t improve, she will be forced to close next month.
“We are in the midst of a crisis. I never thought we would be in the position we find ourselves in now.”
The sanctuary has had a “no kill” policy since its beginning but Friel now fears for the futures of the animals she has cared for.
In a statement, she said the faces in the pictures are the ones that will be looking at her when she signs their death warrant.
“This is the most soul destroying task I am ever going to have to do,” she said.
“We require a major financial injection to tide us over until the unpaid debt can be resolved and to allow us more time to re-home the horses we have places for.”
The sanctuary has been promoting a number of fundraising events on its Facebook page as well as posting homing appeals to try to find good homes for the horses Friel cares for before she is forced to shut it all down.
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