Spring 2017 | Issue 12 Spring 2016 | Issue 10 | Page 12

Thanks to our
Friends Group
Every member of our Friends group
contributes in some way to helping the
welfare of animals at West Hatch.
It may be from paying the subscription,
helping at fundraising events, volunteering
on site, or being part of our dedicated
Committee. Whatever the role, the staff
and animals are incredibly grateful for this
support. Over the last year the Friends
of West Hatch have given financial
assistance to an enormous range of
items and improved the lives of hundreds
of animals on site – both wildlife and
domestic. Some of the purchases include:

dig, play and learn new skills when they
are in our exercise compounds
• Chicken enrichment feeders allow
cockerels and chickens to enjoy new
challenges when looking for food

• Heat lamps and bulbs to keep our dogs
extra cosy over the winter months

• Overnight dog room – this room will be
improved with a run, piped music and
other mod cons to provide a more relaxing
space for nervous/stressed dogs

• Cat activity centres to stave off
boredom, especially for cats who remain
in our care a while longer when they are
recovering from injury and illness

• Bolt-on dog bowls – these provide food
and water for dogs at a height suited to
their size so that they can eat and drink in
comfort

• Dog play equipment – we have four new
platforms for dogs to play/exercise on

• Dog exercise area improvements – the
Friends have supported new fencing and
repairs to existing fencing to allow us to
use areas on site more effectively and give
dogs as much time as possible out of the
kennels

• Dog sandpits are a popular feature all
year - providing opportunities for dogs to

• Soft toy dogs –
bought as part
of our behaviour
assessment
work with newly
admitted dogs
Photo: M

arc Coop

er

• Cages and
incubators
for orphaned birds which offer us more
space and better condition for young birds
and mammals as we move towards the
busy spring period