The owner of Chadkirk Dog Sanctuary in Stockport has issued a desperate plea for help after receiving an eviction notice, which will force her to vacate the premises by the end of the year. Ali Clark, who has dedicated over a decade to caring for dogs with severe behavioural issues, fears for the future of up to 17 animals at the sanctuary, who cannot be rehomed due to their past trauma.
In an emotional statement, Clark, 59, said, “I just can’t cry anymore. I’m desperate to find a new home for these dogs.” The sanctuary is currently home to around 30 long-term residents, including Gus, who spent six years living in a garage, and Groober, a Romanian mioritic shepherd cross who has formed a special bond with Clark, refusing to trust anyone else.
Clark explained that 17 of the dogs under her care are not suitable for rehoming, due to their severe anxiety and trauma. “These dogs can’t go to anyone else; I know their quirks,” she added, emphasizing the need for a new facility to keep them safe. Without it, the dogs face the grim possibility of being put down.
The sanctuary has struggled financially and cannot afford to purchase a property. Clark is now urgently searching for a rental space—ideally a redundant building, barn, or stable—either in Wales or nearby counties in England, where she can transform it into a safe haven for the dogs. Although Clark resides in Powys, she continues to care for the dogs in Stockport, where she established the sanctuary as the only available option during a previous search for premises.
Clark’s mission is to provide a safe refuge for “unrehomeable” dogs, many of which have suffered neglect or abuse. She sees an increasing demand for sanctuary spaces, a need that has worsened since the pandemic when several kennels closed their doors. “The situation has definitely got worse since Covid,” she said, citing a shortage of available spaces for animals in need.
Niz Khan, founder of the London-based charity Animal Adoption International, praised Clark’s tireless dedication. “She has a heart of gold,” Khan remarked. “The dogs thrive under her care, and she works tirelessly from 4 a.m. until 9 p.m. to ensure they are well looked after.”
To help secure a new location for the sanctuary, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise funds for the necessary premises and kennel equipment.
The sanctuary’s plight underscores the critical need for more spaces to accommodate dogs with complex needs, particularly as demand for sanctuaries continues to rise across the UK.
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