Foundation-Supported Animal Shelter Makes Headlines on ITV News After Extraordinary Rescue
Maria's Animal Shelter, one of the cherished charities supported by the Anthony V Martin Foundation and where our founder Tony Martin serves as a patron, was recently featured on ITV News West Country, highlighting their extraordinary response to one of the largest small animal rescues in their history. The news segment, aired on October 11th, brought attention to the incredible work of the shelter as they dealt with an unprecedented situation.
In an interview with ITV's Charlotte Gay, shelter founder Maria Mulkeen revealed the dramatic story of how her team responded to what they thought would be a routine rescue call, only to discover 143 animals living in a single one-bedroom property. "It was a little bit shocking at first. We had to take every animal we could," Mulkeen told ITV News, adding, "And then my thoughts were, 'where are we going to put them all here?'"
The animals were found in dire conditions, with Mulkeen reporting they "didn't have any food, or water, or hay." Despite having a substantial two-and-a-half-acre site, the shelter was pushed beyond its capacity by the sheer scale of the rescue. They managed to accommodate 61 guinea pigs and rabbits, while the remaining animals were distributed to other rescue centres.
The news report highlighted the challenges faced by the shelter team, who had to create makeshift pens to house the influx of animals. Tragically, despite their best efforts, approximately ten of the rescued animals did not survive, while others continue to receive treatment for various health issues including chest infections, malnutrition, and dental problems.
"Some of them are still unwell at the moment," Mulkeen explained to ITV. "Most of them were very thin, their teeth were quite bad. But as soon as they got here, we started giving them lots of vitamin C, lots of peppers to eat and things to boost them up a bit."
The television coverage also brought attention to the broader issue of small animal welfare. Maria's Animal Shelter, which has been operating since 2000 and typically helps between 200 and 250 animals annually, requires £100,000 per year to maintain their vital services. They are currently oversubscribed with more than 100 animals on their waiting list.
Mulkeen used the media platform to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, noting that guinea pigs and rabbits are often mistakenly viewed as low-maintenance pets. "The animals we've got are the most neglected because they're put in a hutch at the bottom of the garden or they're thrown out and people think they can survive in the wild, but they can't," she explained.
The shelter's appearance on ITV News has helped shine a spotlight on their crucial work in animal welfare and their commitment to both rescue operations and public education. Their dedication to ensuring animals are healthy before adoption and educating new owners about proper care requirements continues to make them an invaluable part of Cornwall's animal welfare community.
How You Can Help
Maria's Animal Shelter urgently needs support to continue their vital work. You can help in several ways:
Make a donation to help cover the £100,000 annual running costs
Consider fostering or adopting a rescued guinea pig or rabbit
Volunteer your time at the shelter
Donate supplies such as hay, bedding, and food
Visit Maria's Animal Shelter website or contact them directly to learn more about how you can support their mission.
This article contains reporting from ITV News West Country, broadcast October 11th, 2024.