Monday August 3, 2009, 3:34 pm

Pet charity 'saved' by cat lover

The house sale could help the sanctuary stay open for 12 months

The future of Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary could be safe for another 12 months thanks to a man who left his home to charity.

Vivian Kirk's home in Jericho, Oxford, was bequeathed to the charity six years ago when he died in return for looking after his six cats.

Legal issues have prevented it from owning the house, but the charity said these should be "resolved soon".

It hoped the house would sell for about £250,000.

Abandoned pets

John Lord, of Brookwood Accountancy, said the house had become dilapidated in six years and fallen in value from about £400,000.



Previously the charity said it feared some of the 300 unwanted animals it cared for may have to be put down, unless enough money could be raised to keep it going.

The charity has also said it received fewer donations during the recession but was also receiving more abandoned animals.

Monday August 3, 2009, 4:36 pm
Thanks Raffi!

Tuesday August 4, 2009, 12:15 pm
Shame the legal wrangle took so long, lined the lawyers pockest and devalued the house to the detriment of the Sanctuary and it's animals. Not I think what the gentleman who left his house for the benefit of his cats would have wanted!

Tuesday August 4, 2009, 12:29 pm
Thanks Chris-it is a shame and so common-hopefully they can realize enough from this that they can have some comfort level for all the good works they do.

Tuesday August 4, 2009, 12:45 pm
Typical lawyers, they allow the house to become dilapidated and lose value. Who is going to pay for this ...the animals!