Paisley visits Benvardin Animal Rescue Kennels

The DUP’s Ian Paisley visited Benvardin Animal Rescue Kennels this week to discuss developments since they managed to raise the initial figure required in order to avoid the USPCA-owned site being sold to another bidder.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Apr 2015, 08:00 BST
Ian Paisley MP with Shaun McIntyre from BARK. INBM15-15Ian Paisley MP with Shaun McIntyre from BARK. INBM15-15
Ian Paisley MP with Shaun McIntyre from BARK. INBM15-15

Speaking at the kennels, Mr Paisley commented: “It is good to get on site here at Benvardin to learn firsthand how progress is being made since the successful raising of the necessary £5000 thanks to public donations that prevented the site being sold at this time.

“We have discussed today however how much of a battle still lies ahead for the rescue shelter.

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“The issue of finance is still hanging over this wonderful sanctuary for abandoned cats and dogs and it is vital at this stage that procedures are put in place to ensure that future financial requirements can be met and the threat of closure is eliminated permanently.

“As soon as the General Election is over, should I be re-elected I intend to sit down with all the appropriate bodies such as the USPCA and public representatives to ensure that we can relieve the threat of closure and ease the already heavy burden on these dedicated staff,” he said.

This week, Ulster Television reported that the future of BARK is unclear after the USPCA received a higher offer for the site.

BARK said its next step is to try to raise its bid for the land and seeking legal advice about staying on the site as tenants.

The USPCA said it respects this decision but would not comment further as the matter is now subejct to law.

Related topics:USPCADUP