News

Great Grandad Roger Skydives 15,000ft For Woodside

Plympton Great Grandad Roger Marshall has marked his 85th birthday by skydiving 15,000ft for our animals.

Roger braced temperatures of -20 degrees when he launched himself from the aircraft at Dunkeswell Airfield in Honiton, raising more than £1,600 for Woodside.

Roger’s wife, Viv, generously paid for the epic birthday challenge so that all money raised could help animals in our care.

“It was a bit scary,” Roger said. “You go face first and the cold hits you, it’s freezing. I said that if I could raise £400 to £500 I’d be more than happy. To raise more than £1,600 is absolutely amazing – that will help a few animals!”

It certainly will! Thank you so much, Roger – we think you’re amazing!

Plympton Bike Nights Raise £1,300 For Woodside

We would like to say a huge thank you to the organisers of Plympton Bike Nights, who have raised more than £1,300 for Woodside.

Over the summer, Plymouth Triumph and Plymouth Harley Davidson organised a series of six bike nights at the Plympton showrooms.

Hundreds of motorbike enthusiasts gathered to enjoy performances by local musicians, refreshments, exclusive offers and prizes, raising more than £1,345.

Hitting the Headlines…

Click on the links below to see some of our recent media coverage…

We are seeing a worrying rise in the number of neglected and abandoned animals arriving at the sanctuary. Mounting financial pressures and the cost of veterinary costs are resulting in more animals arriving malnourished, neglected and with medical conditions in need of urgent treatment.

We are urging pet owners struggling to care for their animals to get in touch before the situation deteriorates.

MSN web portal Worrying rise in Plymouth pets being neglected and abandoned

Kitten numbers at the sanctuary remained at worrying levels well into October, despite kitten season normally drawing to a close by the end of the summer.

In mid October, we were still caring for nearly 30 kittens, some of which have been found abandoned on farmland or brought in by breeders struggling to rehome them…

Plymouth rescue centre saves 30 kittens as they face ‘worst autumn on record’ – Plymouth Live

Kittens needing help

Struggling to cope with the number of abandoned and unwanted cats and kittens needing our help, we appealed to owners to have their pets spayed and neutered…

Cat crisis in Plymouth as waiting list reaches critical level – Plymouth Live (plymouthherald.co.uk)

After a litter of days’ old kittens were tragically orphaned in a road accident, Woodside set up a ‘kitten kindergarten’ to provide specialist training for staff who were called upon to care for the new arrivals…

www.plymouthchronicle.co.uk/kitten-kindergarten-for-woodside-animal-welfare-sanctuary-after-tragic-incident/ (-> www.itv.com)

 

 

Lady, Holly and Bruiser arrived at the sanctuary after their owner sadly lost his home. This adorable trio soon found a new family to call their own but, sadly, the number of people forced to give up their pets due to housing issues continues…

Family of dogs taken in by Plymouth rescue centre after owner loses home | ITV News West Country

 

Stitch was among dozens of bulldogs needing our help for complex medical issues. Many bulldogs arriving at the sanctuary require corrective surgery for hereditary breathing issues, costing around £2,000 for each procedure…

INFLUX OF POORLY PETS PILES FINANCIAL PRESSURE ON PLYMPTON CHARITY – OM Media Group (omplymouthmagazine.co.uk)

 

The charity was receiving a growing number of calls from people desperate for help with their pets because they were being made homeless. Among these pets was Hugo the Akita X, who arrived in the summer after his owner lost his job and home…

WESTCOUNTRY HOUSING CRISIS FORCING FAMILIES TO PART WITH MUCH-LOVED PETS – OM Media Group (omplymouthmagazine.co.uk)

Portia finally found her forever home after a year-long search. Her story cast a spotlight on the number of animals who, due to age or colour, are repeatedly overlooked…

Unwanted Plymouth cat spent a whole year waiting for a new owner – Plymouth Live (plymouthherald.co.uk)

 

Baby, a Netherland Dwarf rabbit, was rescued after being found abandoned in a cramped, filthy cage on the side of a street…

www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/rabbit-dumped-side-plymouth-street-9298548

 

 

Greyhounds remain one of our most overlooked breeds at Woodside. Yet these elegant, easy-going dogs can make great pets and this was our chance to shout about it as we appealed for homes for Bobby and Jock.

www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/rescue-greyhounds-desperately-need-new-9286846

 

 

As our cat numbers rocketed and food supplies plummeted, we made an urgent appeal for donations. Our wonderful supporters once again came to the rescue, filling our empty shelves…

www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/urgent-plea-plymouths-abandoned-cats-9243086

 

A pair of injured rabbits were found abandoned next to the road outside Woodside, just days before Easter. Rabbits are one of the easiest pets to buy but also to abandon, with rabbits being the number one neglected pet in UK.

Injured rabbits abandoned on Plymouth roadside – Plymouth Live (plymouthherald.co.uk)