Ferne Animal Sanctuary setback for £1million Digs for Dogs centre opening

Animal lovers will have to wait a little longer before Ferne Animal Sanctuary unveils its ‘New Digs for Dogs’ project at Wambrook, near Chard.

The facility was expected to open on November 13, but bosses at the sanctuary say the delay is to ensure a smooth transition for the animals.

Patricia Gardner-Harper, acting director, said: “There’s only a three-week construction delay over the original completion date, but to ensure that the facility is fully operational, and that staff and dogs have completely settled in, we decided to delay the grand opening ceremony.”

The opening date is said to be in the New Year, but a specific date has not been released yet.

Marcus Drysdale, managing director of Acheson Construction, said the building work is scheduled to finish at the end of October.

He said: “Ferne has taken the decision to re-arrange the official opening to ensure that sufficient time is available to commission the building and set up the dog re-homing centre following the handover of the project by Acheson.”

The £1million project is being funded thanks to £500,000 from the charity’s reserves and donations from the public.

Planning permission was granted last year for an improved grooming and veterinary care room, a social unit, more kennels and an improved reception area.

The existing kennels have outlived their useful life, and the plans are designed to allow the sanctuary to take in a greater number of animals and provide for them more economically in a more environmentally friendly way.

Among the modern technology to be used is under-floor heating – modifications have been made to the 1970s kennels to make them warm enough for the coming winter, but these will not hold up against a second winter.

The centre says it has raised £100,000 since March from donations.

For more details of how to donate, visit ferneanimalsanctuary.org or call 01460- 65214.