Thornberry Animal Sanctuary Summer Fair

Volunteers at Thornberry Animal Sanctuary are inviting supporters to join them on Saturday at their farm on Moor Lane North, Ravenfield.

Bethany Rutt, marketing co-ordinator, said: “Every year, we host a summer fair — sometimes it’s on our site on Todwick Road and sometimes, like this year, it’s at Ravenfield.

“It’s a fun day out. You can bring your dog, we’ll have a dog show and people will be able to have a go on the agility equipment with their dogs too.

“It’s £2 to enter the dog show but entry to the fair itself is free, although donations on entry are welcome.

“We’ll have farm animals for adults and children to pet and there will be craft stalls, as well as face painting, food and drinks and live performances by musicians.

“It’s all to raise money for the sanctuary and we also help cats, rabbits, pigs and chickens.”

Animal sanctuaries and charities have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and are calling for support.

Bethany added: “We did struggle during Covid but we’re really pleased with the support we’ve been given.

“We’d like to spread the word and get involved in our community.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the people and how much they donate. We completely rely on donations here.”

As the cost of living crisis is starting to bite, more and more pet owners are deciding to cut their budgets by giving up on their animals.

Ms Rutt said: “We feel like we’re near breaking point every other day because of the number of animals coming in.

“There are a few reasons that stand out when people are asking us to take their pets — the cost of living, changes in work, health and housing circumstances and relationship breakdown.”

The fun day runs from 11am to 3pm.