stray dog 1

The story of NCAR: From 1978 to today

The history of North Clwyd Animal Rescue

the lurcher who played a role in the history of North Clwyd Animal Rescue
Lady the Lurcher

BUILT WITH LOVE BY VOLUNTEERS

Lady the Lurcher was the very reason for NCAR existing today. Lady was a stray who arrived on the doorstep of our founder, Anne Owen, in 1978. She was homeless and had nowhere else to go, and it was her arrival that led to the creation of NCAR.

The history of NCAR began in 1978 when a group of volunteers banded together and led by Anne Owen, set about rescuing unclaimed stray dogs who had been collected by the police and local councils, held for seven days and were about to be euthanised.  It was a mammoth task.

Mrs Rice at Crecas Farm in Carmel offered to board as many of the dogs as she could and advertisements were placed in local papers and the group went all out to spread the word about the animals in need. They paid all the expenses of boarding, vets fees and advertising.

NCAR becomes a registered charity

As word spread other volunteers joined them and arranged small fund raising activities and North Clwyd Animal Rescue became a Registered Charity. 

By 1985 the work of finding them homes became so great that there was a need for proper premises .

pre NCAR renovation

Anne and Neill Owen moved into Maes Gwyn, Neill’s father’s farmhouse . The outbuildings had been sold to a local farmer along with the rest of the farmland.

They hoped to build a facility behind the house but planning permission was refused. 

In 1990 the situation eased a little when the owners of Alyndale kennels made space available for dogs from the stray pound at Whitford and a cattery in Halkyn was able to provide some space for kittens and pregnant cats.

heritage

Whilst continuing to fundraise to keep the animals in their care, the charity was putting aside as much as possible towards buying premises. Then thanks to a generous bequest the charity had just enough funds to buy back the outbuildings in 1992.

After a generous donation from the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, work started on converting the buildings. With limited funds available, volunteers played a crucial role in tasks such as digging floors, installing drains, pouring concrete, and constructing walls.

With the catteries and kennels filling up, volunteers continued to play a crucial role in assisting Anne and her family in caring for the animals, as they had only one paid staff member.

The Volunteering tradition

These pioneers started the tradition of volunteering which has made NCAR what it is today. The work of volunteers has changed as the facility has grown and developed. Now voluntary staff work part time alongside full time staff and assist in the daily routine to maintain the high standards required.

We hope that you to can join the NCAR Volunteer family and continue the story of NCAR

anne owen

Anne Owen MBE

Anne, the founder of North Clwyd Animal Rescue, was recognised for her commitment to animal welfare and education in the New Year’s Honours list of 2015.

She was awarded the MBE in recognition of her efforts to promote the health and wellbeing of animals and to educate people about responsible pet ownership.

Despite receiving this prestigious award, Anne remains dedicated to the day-to-day running of the charity and continues to actively support its mission.

Her ongoing involvement is a testament to her passion and unwavering commitment to the cause.

The future is bright, the future is NCAR!

This is what we have today, an amazing animal charity, that helps over 1500 animals every year, we are proud of what the charity has become and we look forward to our future at NCAR.

Moggy mansion
Our cattery
Bunker sign
Our cafe
IMG 2319
Our play paddocks
Hi there! Find out how you can support our valuable work

We don’t receive any government funding, so we rely on donations and support from people like you to cover the costs of caring for homeless animals. and to help us care for them by volunteering. We want to assure you that we take your help and contributions seriously and spend the money responsibly.

Thank you for considering supporting our cause!

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