£100,000 Mountain of a hill to climb

As it saddles up to celebrate its 30^th anniversary this summer, Mountains Animal Sanctuary is looking to raise £100,000 in order to continue caring for its 100 horses, ponies and donkeys.

As Scotland’s largest equine centre, retired race horses, rare breeds, former cart-horses and retired riding horses for the disabled have all been cared for by Mountains Animal Sanctuary over the last 30 years, since it was established in 1982.

Caring for horses, especially those who have been cruelly treated or neglected is expensive. Last year vet bills totalled £20,000, food bills were £15,000 and farrier care cost £20,000.

The sanctuary costs £400,000 a year to run and with £100,000 funded via a Trust set up by the sanctuary’s founder – Alan B Fraser – it relies on support from donations, sponsorships, legacies and the generosity of individuals.

Each year, in the UK over 1600 horses are abandoned. Combine that with 7,933 horses who were slaughtered for meat and there is a real need for equine welfare centres.

Pam Taylor, general manager at Mountains Animal Sanctuary, said:

“It’s been quite a year for us. Last summer we launched the Dayzee Appeal in order to raise £300,000 and this year we need to find an additional £100,000k in order to continue caring for our much-loved residents.

“Visitors and supporters have done a wonderful job in helping raise much-needed funds, and at a time when many people are feeling the pinch due to the economic uncertainty, it’s extremely touching to know they care about us and want to help as much as they can.”

Pam added:

“We are delighted to have reached this milestone. Thirty years of back breaking work and a lot of blood, sweat and tears is no mean feat and we will plan to be here for another 30.”

To help raise funds, the sanctuary is hosting its 30^th anniversary extravaganza on 5^th August. From 11:00 am Riders of The Storm, RaptorWorld birds of prey, Angus Dog Activity Club, parade of Mountains animals, bouncy castles, as well as trade stands, artists and demos of rural skills will be on hand for visitors to enjoy.

Notes to Editors

1. Mountains Animals Sanctuary is Scotland’s largest equine sanctuary. Based in 260-acres in Glenogil, Angus the centre offers food, shelter, medical treatment and care for 140 equines, many of which have been rescued from cruelty, neglect or ignorance. Where possible the animals are rehomed but many of these animals will stay at the Sanctuary for the rest of their lives. The Sanctuary relies solely on the generosity of the public through donations and volunteering.

The Sanctuary was founded in 1982 by Alan B Fraser. Originally sited in Kent, the Sanctuary relocated to Milton of Ogil in 1991 with 110 animals. Mr Fraser passed away in October 2010 leaving the Sanctuary in the hands of a dedicated team of staff and fellow trustees, Ian Hunter, John Rutter and Roy Alexander.

Pam Taylor, general manager, heads up the 14-strong team at Mountains. An experienced fundraiser, Pam was previously marketing manager at Lathallan School and head of fundraising and marketing at CrossReach (Church of Scotland Social Care).

www.mountainsanimalsanctuary.org.uk

2. For more information please contact:

Natalie Davidson

Indigo

0131 554 1230

Email: natalie@indigopr.com

27^th June 2012