A loss for us all
Friday 16th April 2010, 2:30PM BST.
TODAY marks a sad day for animal lovers throughout the island as we exclusively report on the closure of local charity Animal Aid.
As the story and two-page feature coverage reveal, the Forest Road-based centre has become a part of the fabric of our community.
Although not the only welfare charity in Guernsey, it has played a vital role in the survival, care and long-term health of many animals: from helping to address the island’s feral cat problem to introducing a major neutering programme in conjunction with a well-known local veterinary practice.
Yet what will resonate the most with many readers is the loss of the important role it plays for humans, too.
Aside from its special open days when thousands of visitors stream into the Deer Farm to meet the menagerie, the centre has brought joy to hundreds more including school pupils, special needs classes, youth groups, students, charity organisations and tourists.
To say the news will come as a shock is an understatement.
While the future of the charity hung in the balance a few years ago, it did manage to survive the storm thanks to a rallying of public support.
All of which makes the latest development in its 13-year story all the more surprising.
The answer, according to its founder, is simple. There is no one to take over the reins of the demanding, round-the-clock operation which is set across nine acres and involves hundreds of animals.
But scratch the surface and there would seem to be other factors involved. Claims that the priority given to animal welfare here is not as coordinated or thought through as in other places are, if true, a real concern.
It is also sad to see that someone described by a respected local vet as having ‘a passion and determination in championing the needs and welfare of animals’ should now, after more than a decade, appear so utterly disillusioned.
While the story is likely to develop over the coming days, what is certain is that the future wellbeing of all the animals involved will be paramount.
Sadly, it seems the other certainty appears to be that Guernsey has lost another institution.
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There is something else that is rather important. I have supported this charity over the years whilst the property on which it operates increased in value. Who owns the property, and what will happen to the money once it is sold?
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This is a great loss to guernsey .What will happen to all future animals that need to be rescued.
The Animal shelter are going to have to pull there socks up
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Is there not anything-we-the public can do to save it-this is all very upsetting.I can’t stop thinking what a Los for us and the ANIMALS
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coco
Surely you wouldn’t phone the Animal Shelter just to pull an animal’s socks up?
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coco
There is plenty of things you can do. Take over the day to day running of the shelter & pledge to cover any losses if there are any.
If yourself & other islanders feel so compassionate it would be a start. Talk with the owners about your ideas.
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”Who owns the property, and what will happen to the money once it is sold?”
fred – the property is not owned by the charity – did you not read the article?
the family has however let the charity run on its premises rent free for 8 years. giving them no privacy etc.
find out your facts before you encourage unfounded gossip and scandal please.
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P.i would love to but how do i raise that sort of money to buy the property in time- I would put my everything in to it, sad as it may sound but animals are my life .I do know that the property is on the Market for over a Million . I have a little land but not enough even if I started at home
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I would sell my property to put towards it but that would not be anywhere near the amount they are asking.
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“It is also sad to see that someone…..should now, after more than a decade, appear so utterly disillusioned.”
Mrs Vidamour is not alone. When people become highly focused and dedicate their entire lives to a particular cause, it often ends is disillusionment. In my opinion the likely explanation is that they become blinkered and simply cannot come to terms with the fact that not everyone considers their particular chosen cause their top priority.
Animal welfare is one such cause and rightly so in my opinion. Although I’m in agreement with animal welfare, our current legislation already protects against animal cruelty and in my opinion is sufficient to not make it a priority for the States. OK improvements might be made but there are simply more important matters to deal with, such as health, education and social welfare.
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well we dont all think like you. i for one will keep pushing for improvment. animals are just as important. call me mad if you like but if a animal and a human needed rescuing at the same time i would go for the animal first. humans are just out for themselves
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To those that really would like to help. Talk with the founder, Sue Vidamour. If enough islanders show genuine commitment I am sure something can be achieved.
Many hands make light work. Many minds make many solutions. Talk is cheap. About time actions speak louder than words here.
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P Le P – I also think that part of the disillusionment has been caused by the need for the charity to defend itself against unwarranted bitching and rumours – such as that alluded to in Fred’s post above.
I have frequently heard disparaging remarks about this charity which appear to be based on the repetition of unfounded rumour – using the theory that if something is repeated enough it becomes true.
Sometimes life in a small community can have its distasteful side and I think that this is an example of that.
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coco – I love your reasoning! Nasty humans are just out for themselves….and animals aren’t? I wonder whether the gazelle thinks that when she’s being chased by the lion? Or the seal pup when it’s being thrown around by the killer whale.
I think you need to watch some natural history documentaries!
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Coco
What about if you knew the human who needed rescuing? If he or she were part of your family even?
Surely you wouldn’t really put an animal in front of a human, you’re just kidding right?
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oh i do and my natural instinct is to save the animal over human..nothing rong with that is there.
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yes phil i would save the animal every time.. no joke..
oh and before anyone asks i have no children- i never intend to have any as i would rather put my money to animals who will always stay loyal.
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coco – it’s your choice of course but it’s not a natural instinct. Natural instincts are things we are born with, like the instinct to survive, draw our hand back from extreme heat or a mother’s instinct to protect her baby.
It’s like me saying my natural instinct is to prefer football to rugby, or prefer the taste of Coke to Pepsi. You have made a decision based on a number of observations and experiences that animals have greater value than people. Your choice of course, but I feel sorry for your family if you’re even in an accident, you escape from your burning car first and your family are on board with the family dog – and time’s running out……
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Coco
I admit I question a lot of what you post on here, but I happen to agree with your right to choose an animal over a human, each to their own and all that.
I’m not so sure myself, probably dependent on the situation, for example a child or a shrew, probably the child!!
However there would also be circumstances where I would choose the animal, wheres the fault in that??
I know what Coco is trying to say, there are a lot of truly nasty human beings knocking around, yes the Lion may chase and kill the gazelle, but instinct, and self preservation is a whole different kettle of fish to the type of premeditated suffering humans knowingly inflict on each other.
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Oh well so I am not normal-
Re a accident I can tell you the dog would be out first not me no arguments – and my family know my fealings on that -so they know in any situation that they would have to wait there turn.
I am not quite sure what your problem is-
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There’s no doubt that Sue Vidamour has thrown her all into her work. At times I’ve winced at her outpourings but only the truly cynical could have doubted the lady’s integrity and interest in animal welfare.
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I AM NOT letting her close, she is a credit to this island and to animals- i am going to need as much support as pos to get her to change her mind- so please PLEASE to all the public help me to support her AND GET HER TO CHANGE HER MIND BECAUSE ONCE IT IS GONE IT WILL BE TO LATE TO SIT AND SAY WE SHOULD OF DONE SOMETHING- I KNOW ANIMAL AID IS HER LIFE AND I AM WORRIED THAT SHE IS NOT THINKING IT THROUGH AND REGRET IT.
PLEASE HELP
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Whilst I admire your enthusiasm Coco I’m sure Ms Vidamour has agonised over this decision and we are not in a position to question her motives. I also think you may have sunk any hope for allies with your views which I acknowledge are your views but are not shared by the majority. I for one would be reaching for the baby and not the puppy out of the burning wreckage but let’s hope I’m never put in that situation.
Yes it is very sad and I emphasise with Ms Vidamour, however, she has fought a long battle and she has the right to give up if she wishes. What we should be protesting and advocating for are better animal rights and welfare regulations.
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I understand what your saying in your latter- but I know deep down sue dose not want to give Up othewise I would not be trying to help.a little support from the public is not touch to ask is .if it is after all that she has done for animals and the public then I am obviously wasting my time
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I’ll be very, very sad to see Sue go, she’s put her heart and soul into this, despite nay sayers like Fred, who spread nasty unfounded rumors about ‘charity funds’, just because the poor woman chooses to give her own property over to such a worthy cause.
Such a shame that a wealthy individual or organisation couldn’t give her the backing she needs. Perhaps this will encourage someone to come forward, I hope.
Now all we are left with is the GSPCA.
A very sad day for all concerned animal lovers, but I am sure their ‘opposition’ (for there is no other word for it) are over the moon.
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Coco
Sorry their house is already on the market. I think the horse has already bolted (figuratively speaking of course).
Good luck with your campaign though
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You refer to the GSPCA as opposition? I think this is a little unfair as it appears to me that the 2 organisations are completely different. The GSPCA takes in and cares for sick wild animals and re-homes domestic ones, whereas whilst Animal Aid also does this (and other fantastic work re feral cats etc), it appears to have become a sanctuary over the years. I have tried to re-home animals from there before only to be told that they are ‘problem’ animals or cannot be re-homed etc. Whilst I am not an expert, I have taken on ‘problem’ animals before, many with medical conditions and have been able, with time and patience to offer them a secure and loving home.
I don’t really know where I am going with this, I am an animal lover and just don’t want to see the GSPCA dragged into this already sad argument. I wish Sue all the best for the future.
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I dont know too much about the specifics of either charity.
However I do know that the person who runs the “other” charity was on the radio yesterday saying that a wealthy benfactor had already donated a very healthy sum to her charity which has kept her running for some time making her life a lot easier. She also claimed the same sum was given to Animal Aid, and was confused at how this donation hasnt helped them also.
I think the bickering and infighting between the two is pathetic personally, especially as it should really be the animals we are worried about, not point scoring against the competition. But I would be interested to know if there is any substance in these claims, because if true, this gives more credence to Fred’s much maligned.
I dont know what to beleive, but I know there have been a lot of nasty rumours going around Animal Aid and its owners in the last few days, it would be folly to just discount them in my opinion.
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Forums and Blogs, in the main are a force for good. However, in my view, when anonymity is used to damage the name of an individual or perpetuate an unfounded rumour then the line is fairly well crossed.
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Hi Neil
I totally agree with you, but surely that is why this forum has comments moderated before they are posted?
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coco – I’m sure Animal Aid has done a good job and I understand it’s heartbreaking for you being a supporter to see it close down but that’s the risk every charity takes. It’s even harder now there are so many of them competing for the generosity of the general public. Did you know for example that there are over 160,000 registered charities in the UK? Even in Guernsey there are 265 registered with the Association of Guernsey Charities. Then there’s all the many international charities that locals support.
I genuinely wish you all the best in your venture and if you succeed then great. Don’t get bitter though if the public decide they aren’t prepared to contribute the necessary funds to keep the charity running – they aren’t under any obligation. That doesn’t mean the Guernsey public aren’t a generous lot, it’s just that there are so many different causes around and they can’t give to them all.
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Coco
My Dad married someone just like you, needless to say it’s led to the very unhappy break up of a family coz this woman’s managed to brainwash him into thinking that animals r more important than his OWN KIDS!!!
Very, very sad!!!!!
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Bemused
I find your lack of understanding of other peoples personal preferences quite sad actually.
If you have a problem with your dad, try looking into his or your own behaivour rather than irrationally blaming the animals.
I bet you can do no wrong eh???
What will you blame next?? Aliens
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Bemused. I do not plan to marry-but when I do I will make sure the person I Marry dose not have any spoilt kids who think it’s all about them
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Animals are human beings
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Hey John dont tell my dog!
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John
What about fish?
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