Oswaldtwistle petting zoo hits back at neglect claims

1:30pm Wednesday 29th August 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Emma Cruces, Reporter

MUD A half-filled pond in the animal enclosure at Rhyddings Park MUD A half-filled pond in the animal enclosure at Rhyddings Park

VOLUNTEERS at an Oswaldtwistle park petting zoo have hit back at claims that its animals are being neglected.

Complaints had been made about the wet and muddy conditions the animals at Rhyddings Park were being exposed to, with worries also being voiced that the rabbits, birds, chickens and other creatures were not being fed at weekends.

The most recent complaint was made by a group of dog walkers.

But Neil Mooney, from Friends of Rhyddings Park, which helps look after the area with a team of volunteers, said the mud had been caused by the recent heavy rain and that volunteers went in daily to make sure there was enough to eat.

He said: “We have had people in the past who have made complaints to the RSPCA about the animals not being fed, but where that comes from I am not sure.

“What happens is the pigeons come in and steal their food, but we also have feeders that are in the shelters and hutches.

“There are volunteers that go in every day and feed and clean the place, but the area is quite muddy because the weather has been very wet recently.

“It all depends on the time of day you go and what time the animals have been fed. Sometimes they will be having a great time, but in a few hours it will look like there is nothing there.”

A concern had also been raised about peacocks losing some of their feathers, but Mr Mooney said the birds naturally lost some of their plumage at this time of year because it is out of mating season.

The group also has plans in place to drain the area to make it less muddy, but has been struggling with financial problems. Mr Mooney said: “Funding is always a problem and you can imagine how disappointing it is for the volunteers to have a few people who seem to think there is a problem.

“Some people may have a rabbit in a hutch, but in the wild they would be in these conditions anyway.

“They are definitely all kept in the best conditions they could be.”

Comments (5)

8:14pm Wed 29 Aug 12

ste.g says...

these nosey interfering dog walkers get on my nerves.they think and take it on themselves to be judge and jury.do they stand there all day and wait for feeding times?
these nosey interfering dog walkers get on my nerves.they think and take it on themselves to be judge and jury.do they stand there all day and wait for feeding times? ste.g

1:00am Thu 30 Aug 12

parrotcity says...

typical doo gooders, they wouldnt know the front end of a peacock. do they not know anything , before raising concerns. keep up the good work, and eventually should bair friut.
typical doo gooders, they wouldnt know the front end of a peacock. do they not know anything , before raising concerns. keep up the good work, and eventually should bair friut. parrotcity

7:05am Thu 30 Aug 12

ossybsting says...

I went on a blind date to an expensive restaurant last night.
She was a 42 year old woman with six kids.
"No offence," I said, looking across the table, "But I thought it would just be the two of us?"
I went on a blind date to an expensive restaurant last night. She was a 42 year old woman with six kids. "No offence," I said, looking across the table, "But I thought it would just be the two of us?" ossybsting

10:59am Thu 30 Aug 12

superdad1 says...

These pets are always well cared for and have been for YEARS
I have taken my children on a regular basis over the YEARS and these animals have been well looked after by the volunteering people of Rhyddings park,
Some of these do gooders need to take a look closer look closer to home it can be surprising what goes on behind closed doors regarding animal welfare.
If they have nothing better to do take longer walks and report other concerning issues in our town of Oswaldtwistle, like fly tippers and vandalism and you would have more respect in the community.
Keep up the good work volunteers of Rhyddings park.
These pets are always well cared for and have been for YEARS I have taken my children on a regular basis over the YEARS and these animals have been well looked after by the volunteering people of Rhyddings park, Some of these do gooders need to take a look closer look closer to home it can be surprising what goes on behind closed doors regarding animal welfare. If they have nothing better to do take longer walks and report other concerning issues in our town of Oswaldtwistle, like fly tippers and vandalism and you would have more respect in the community. Keep up the good work volunteers of Rhyddings park. superdad1

6:37pm Mon 10 Sep 12

VicLou says...

I go there with my niece regularly and I have never had any concerns about the animals .... !! Perhaps the 'complaining dogwalkers' should do something more constructive in the park like ensuring all dogs are kept on a lead and they pick all the poo up that seems to be left around by lazy owners!!!

The volunteers of Rhyddings Park are doing a great job!! Much appreciated!
I go there with my niece regularly and I have never had any concerns about the animals .... !! Perhaps the 'complaining dogwalkers' should do something more constructive in the park like ensuring all dogs are kept on a lead and they pick all the poo up that seems to be left around by lazy owners!!! The volunteers of Rhyddings Park are doing a great job!! Much appreciated! VicLou

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