Animal hospital revived (From Andover Advertiser)

Animal hospital revived

1:50pm Thursday 20th November 2008 in Search Module By Ben Ellery

AN ANIMAL hospital that was forced to close in May has reopened.

HART Wildlife Rescue, in Dellands, Overton, had to shut after founding member June Gibbs’ mother was taken ill.

But with her mother now being cared for at a nursing home, last week Mrs Gibbs decided to reopen the centre, which has treated thousands of animals during its 12-year history.

Mrs Gibbs, 61, said she found it impossible to stay away and although the hospital was closed to admissions, people still left vulnerable animals at her doorstep.

She said: “I just couldn’t leave it alone. People would still bring animals to us and there’s nowhere else for them to go – someone’s just given us a buzzard in a bucket.

“The 24-hour nature of the job is very demanding, and while we closed to admissions, I just took the chance to relax. I went walking and sorted out the garden.

“All the vets in the area and the RSPCA were very pleased to hear the news of the reopening, especially with the onset of winter.

“However, we will not be taking as many admissions as before.”

Mrs Gibbs added she will soon be finding homes for sick hedgehogs, once they have finished their medical treatment, and in spring, a team of volunteers will care for new birds.

The charity is fundraising for a new purpose-built facility.

To help with the fundraising, visit /www.hartwildlife.org.uk