Rotarians dig deep for the animals at busy Fareham shelter

The Stubbington Ark, an RSPCA animal shelter, has been given £1,000 by Gosport Rotary Club.

President Simon Mason and fundraising officer Malcolm Dent, visited the shelter to see how the money has been spent.

Mr Dent said: ‘The money, has gone on literally hundreds of useful practical and playful items for the hundreds of animals in their care – things such a beds, medicines and enrichment toys.’

Kimberley Barton-Smith, the community fundraiser for the Ark, was on hand to show them around.

The centre has around 30 full-time staff and more than 100 volunteers who go in to give the animals some one-on-one time.

Mr Dent added: ‘Contrary to popular belief, the Ark never destroys a healthy animal. They undertake a rota system around the country, whereby if an animal does not find an owner in one area, it will be rotated to another area to find a home.

‘But prospective owners are not restricted to a particular area.

‘Although the Ark covers Hampshire, they have had people come from as far away as Kent because of a certain animal.’

Mr Dent and Mr Mason had the opportunity to get up close to the hundreds of animals at the shelter.

They even had their photo taken with some young pups.

Mr Dent said: ‘The beautiful akita pups were born at the centre two weeks ago.

‘They will soon join the ranks of animals wanting a good home.

‘The centre always welcomes donations.

‘Money is great, but things like mobile phones and print cartridges, which can be recycled, are a useful revenue earner.’

To find out more information, or to make a donation to the animal shelter, go to stubbingtonark.org.uk

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