Sadly that was where the fairytale ended. Their story is the story of Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary, or at least the beginnings of it. The failure of the animal welfare system in Northern Ireland to look after Kim and Candy prompted me to apply for charitable status in 1996. The subsequent years have been full of heartache, tears, anger and ultimately triumph. I promised myself that, whilst Ki
m and Candy had been failed by the welfare system and the ignorance of the rescue centre they were placed in, the horses, ponies and donkeys who came into the care of CLAS would never be denied the love and attention they so desperately deserved. Crosskennan on opening our gates were for equines; horses ponies and donkeys but we have never turned any animal in need away when we can help them. Over the years we have helped an average of 400 animals annually and now in our 25th year we are home to an average of 150 animals on a long term or permanent residency. The last 25 years certainly have not been easy but have made us all the more determined to improve the situation in Northern Ireland. Ignorance is a great stumbling block and time and time again we have found ourselves up against it. It is ignorance that allows a mare to be locked up in a stable in filth for years without regular food or water or exercise. It is ignorance that allows 13 cats to be left to fend for themselves, turning wild and fighting among themselves, in a house after the owner passed away. And it is ignorance that allows a trotting horse to be driven to his death on a public road. Old habits die hard and attitudes are firmly entrenched but we are determined to fight on to make Northern Ireland a better place for all animals. In the meantime, however, we will continue with our educational and cross community approach to animal welfare. Through our Animal's Helping People workshops and training we hope that the next generation of animal owners will be wiser and more informed than this one. Our story isn’t all doom and gloom though. We have the support of many kind people, friends and volunteers who keep the sanctuary running. We also have many success stories. The mare walled up in misery and filth now has a super home and 12 of the 13 cats have all been treated, spayed, and rehomed: living wonderful lives with new families. We may have helped these animals but their triumphs are down to them. They are a testimony to the resilience of animals to overcome psychological and physical abuse and neglect. Their ability to forgive mankind for the terrible deeds inflicted upon them is surely one of the most amazing phenomena of life. Our work has taught us many lessons, some of them humbling, some of them inspiring, all of them worth learning. Our motto is ‘Hope for the future: Help us trust Again’ and it will be for as long as it takes to make a difference in Northern Ireland. We realise that we cannot change the world but that doesn’t stop us trying.
