St. Francis Animal Rescue (Shields)

St Francis' Animal Rescue was founded in 1987 by Ann Kirton, Linda Tuffield and Maria Harrison. They were three women from different backgrounds and with different lifestyles but who shared a passion for the welfare of animals (pets and wildlife). In the beginning, the three used their homes to house and treat the stray animals, mainly dogs and cats (but with the occasional seagull and even, once, a puffin) while new homes were sought. After a few years Linda and Maria moved on to other things but they still stayed actively involved with the rescue and protection of animals. Ann continued to run the Rescue with the help of other voluntary workers, particularly Linda Mercer who has the larger cattery in her back garden. Linda Tuffield now lives in rural Northumberland but continues to help and rasie funds for St Francis.

St Francis is entirely voluntary, with no kennels and only two catteries, one at Ann Kirton's house and the other at Linda Mercer's; a lot of the animals are cared for by voluntary fosterers in their own homes. The battle continues. Animals are still mistreated and neglected, quite often through ignorance rather than malice. St Francis' Animal Rescue continues to help by trying to educate, giving advice and practical help. Do you love animals? Can you help us?