A look back at five decades of care over at Hurtletoot

A FORMER volunteer at Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary has been looking back at half a century of devoted welfare for cats and dogs in the town.

Retired policeman Angus Moore said that the work carried out by the dedicated team down the years and improved the lives of thousands of animals.

“I thought that readers of a certain age like me would be interested to learn that 50 years have now passed since the gates of the USPCA Shelter in the townland of Hurtletoot, Antrim opened for the first time,” he said.

“It is now the home of Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary.

“It was in May 1973 that USPCA Inspector James Keenan, who vacated premises in Ballymena, was established as the person in charge at the new shelter at Hurtletoot, Antrim, appointed by the then CEO of the USPCA, Mrs Pitt based at USPCA Headquarters Carryduff who was simply known as ‘The Secretary’.

“I have no doubt that many of the Guardian’s senior readers will be among the many volunteers who helped in so many ways in those early days, in fund raising, hands-on voluntary service at the shelter with the animals and with management committee duties.

“In those days the USPCA was partly funded by the police to look after the control of stray dogs in Northern Ireland.

“In addition, the mobile uniformed USPCA Inspectors provided an important link with other agencies where direct welfare intervention was required to prevent suffering and rescue of animals.

“The establishment of the Hurtletoot USPCA shelter would not have been possible but for the kind generous provision of the premises by the owner Mr Nelson Montgomery, for the most modest rent of £5 per month.

“Indeed the rent rate of five pounds per month was never increased, right up to the mid 1980s, when Nelson sold the premises to the USPCA for a modest token price.

“All he wished was for the Hurtletoot townland to remain part of the address of the shelter.

“Nelson’s name is now displayed on the Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary’s frontage, with gracious thanks to him is a tribute to his kindness and generosity.

“In April 1996 USPCA headquarters decided to close the Hurtletoot shelter, but the then local committee at Antrim managed to negotiate change and switched control to the newly-named Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary.”

But it was always about much more than bricks and mortar.

“It would not be fitting to close any history without mention of Margaret Wade,” added Angus.

“Margaret was the senior USPCA official based at Antrim in April 1996 and overnight become manager at the new Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary.

“Margaret is affectionately known throughout Northern Ireland and beyond by so many people involved in animal welfare.

“Her personal commitment started aged 15 -years-old as a volunteer at USPCA headquarters Carryduff, where her dad was a serving USPCA uniformed inspector

“Thankfully Margaret is still a reassuring and much loved ambassador for animals at Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary

“Finally, to all past and present animal volunteers at the original USPCA shelter and or Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary, a sincere ‘Thank You’ on behalf of so many rescued animals over the past 50 years.”