Willows Animal Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
History
Willows Animal Sanctuary was founded, on a 54-acre plot, in 1999.Charitable status listing for Willows oscr.org.uk accessed 26 February 2017
Events since 2010
In 2011 there was concern for the finances at Willows Animal Sanctuary.Victoria Weldon, 15 Oct 2011: Funding crisis sparks fear of cull at animal sanctuary www.heraldscotland.com accessed 4 March 2017 This was eased with patronage from Paul Rodgers7 June 2012: Willows New Patrons – Paul Rodgers And Cynthia Kereluk aberdeenvoice.com accessed 4 March 2017 who arranged a number of benefit gigs to raise funds for the sanctuary, including one at the Royal Albert Hall.5 September 2014: Paul Rodgers Royal Albert Hall Show To Benefit Willows aberdeenvoice.com accessed 4 March 2017
In 2013, Willows Animal Sanctuary returned to a farmer a lamb which he claimed was his. It had been found and rescued from drowning in a stream by a schoolgirl who subsequently requested it be homed at the sanctuary, where it had proved to be a popular animal.23 April 2013: Rescued lamb 'River' being returned to farmer bbc.co.uk/news accessed 4 March 2017FRANK URQUHART 19 April 2013: Rescued lamb at centre of custody battle scotsman.com/news accessed 4 March 2017
In 2015 Willows Animal Sanctuary joined with 3 other sanctuaries in the region (the New Arc centre at Ellon, the Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary at Maryculter, and Halfpenny Farm in Kintore) to form a new umbrella group called 'REACH', to stand up for the wellbeing of animals in need.Blair Dingwall, May 28, 2015: Aberdeenshire animal sanctuaries caring for 1,000 animals pull together pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news accessed 4 March 2017
Animals
Willows Animal Sanctuary permanently houses over 300 rescued animals of multiple species. ('Nearly 400' according to one source).Willows Animal Sanctuary listing moggies.co.uk accessed 24 February 2017 These include horses, llamas, donkeys and 55 cats.Willows Animal Sanctuary visitscotland.com accessed 24 February 2017 Some animals from the sanctuary are used for therapy and in some cases visit local hospitals.
Animal Assisted Therapy unit Willows Animal Sanctuary's Animal Assisted Therapy unit has been in operation, working with vulnerable people, in conjunction with the local authority at least since 2003.Christine Cant: Committee minutes from 20/11/2003 (similar exists from 2 March 2006) noting Service Level Agreement with Willows committees.aberdeenshire.gov.uk (found via google) accessed 26 February 2017Willows Animal Sanctuary in list of Therapy units 23 May 2016 grampiancaredata.gov.uk accessed 26 February 2017 In 2017 Willows was described as having a service level agreement with Aberdeenshire Council in this field.Articles • Lifestyle • Places • Spotlight: Willows Animal Sanctuary & Assisted Therapy Unit – Aberdeen thetartancarrot.co.uk, accessed 28 April 2018
References
External links Willows Animal Sanctuary website Willows Animal Sanctuary Animal Assisted Therapy Unit facebook page