Twenty years of rescuing thousands of animals in the Harborough district

A highly-successful pets’ rescue charity on the edge of Harborough district is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Nov 2019, 12:45 BST
Updated 21st Nov 2019, 13:24 BST
Staff at the Leicester Animal RescueStaff at the Leicester Animal Rescue
Staff at the Leicester Animal Rescue

Based on the B6047 near Tilton on the Hill, Leicester Animal Rescue scorched past two decades on Friday, November 15.

The thriving organisation has saved thousands of dogs, cats and kittens since its Fairwinds Shelter was opened in November 1999.

Tracy Bennett, under-manager at Leicester Animal Rescue, said: “We are thrilled to reach 20 years.

Staff at the Leicester Animal Rescue.Staff at the Leicester Animal Rescue.
Staff at the Leicester Animal Rescue.
Most Popular

“We’ll be having a coffee morning and get-together at Fairwinds on Sunday for our staff and volunteers.”

She added: “We’ve gone from strength to strength and are bigger and better than ever.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the people out there across the Harborough area who support us.

“Your generosity is incredible – and we wouldn’t be here without you.”

Staff at the Leicester Animal RescueStaff at the Leicester Animal Rescue
Staff at the Leicester Animal Rescue

Inspired by lifelong animal lover Ann McNeill, Tracy said the charity bought the kennels and two acres of land at Fairwinds in 1997.

“We built a second block here in 2011.

“We rescue and rehome about 100 dogs a year and over 200 cats and kittens,” said Tracy, who’s worked there 10 years.

“It’s just so rewarding and fulfilling to help save so many beautiful pets and give them a new life.

“We take them in from people who’ve lost their jobs or their homes as well as from owners who are in declining health or have died.

“These dogs and cats would all have been put to sleep if we hadn’t stepped in and given them a new chance.”

She said they generate cash to run their powerhouse animal rescue headquarters from their charity shop in Evington Road, Leicester, as well as other sources.

“We rely on donations, sponsored events, Christmas raffles, food contributions and coffee mornings.

“And kind supporters also leave us money in their wills which helps pay our substantial vets’ bills,” said Tracy, of Melton Mowbray.

“That enables us to employ six staff, including four full-time workers, and volunteers also come along to walk our dogs as well as operate our shop.

“We’ll always do our best to rescue a pet but owners have to bring them to us – we haven’t got the means to go to them.”

She’s very positive about Leicester Animal’s Rescue future near Tilton after chalking up 20 outstanding years.

“We’ve got a fantastic team here at Fairwinds and we are backed up by generous, supportive people all over Harborough district.

“Here’s to the next 20 years rescuing and rehoming dogs and cats in need,” said Tracy.

If you would like to support Leicester Animal Rescue please visit the charity’s website:http://leicesteranimalrescue.co.uk/

Related topics:Harborough