Introduction
TAG
(Thanet Animal
Group) Pet Rescue
Centre was
established in 1988. Thanet
Animal Group (as it was originally called) was founded by
trustees Debbie Channing and
Chris Kiddell (pictured).
After 14 years of
hard work, exhausting
long hours and lots of sleepless nights we finally realised our
dream to build Thanet's first pet
rescue centre. Prior to the sanctuary
being built TAG cared for all of its unwanted waifs and strays
in the homes of dedicated volunteers
and their gardens full of animal pens. Debbie and Chris's houses
and gardens were turned into little rescue
centres. Funds were
raised through tombolas, appeals in the local KM Extra and
Thanet Gazette, the local radio and a small support shop at the
bottom of Chatham Street in Ramsgate. As TAG became more widely
known it was not long before accommodation became inadequate and
we needed more space!
One day a
guardian angel led us to farmland owned by local farmer
Rex Goodban and his wife Ann. Rex, now a Trustee, kindly
agreed to let us use part of his land where several
lovely mature trees stood with preservation orders
attached. This was where we were to build Thanet's very
first pet rescue centre but with a difference!
Plans were
submitted to Thanet District Council and after a few
nail biting weeks we received conformation that we had
been granted permission to go ahead. A legacy left to
TAG in the will of the late Mr Alfred Roberts enabled us
to start the building work in the summer of 2003. A
plaque of thanks to a very kind and generous animal
lover Mr
Alfred Roberts is on display at the sanctuary in his
memory. How can he ever be forgotten? As funds
dwindled, appeals were launched through KM Extra, The
Gazette and radio for sponsors. The idea being that for
£250, a pen could be
sponsored in memory of a loved one or pet and a plaque
would commemorate this lovely
gesture. We
had a wonderful response and were able to build 'Memory
Lane' followed by 'Sunshine Terrace' -
32
individual
cat pens and runs, then last year we erected Purrfect
Place' a further block of 16 pens.
TAG has
many different types of unwanted animals at the
sanctuary all needing homes. TAG animals are spayed,
neutered, vet
checked, wormed, deflead, micro chipped and all rabbits
are inoculated against Myxamatosis and
HVD There is an
adoption fee and all potential homes are carefully
vetted. TAG Pet Rescue Centre is unique in
that we are
proud to be promoting
"Better
Than Basic Pet Care" you will see evidence of this as we
take you
through the
pages of our 1st TAG MAG. |