Fears for Crumlin TACT centre

South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan called on the Department of Environment and Antrim Borough Council to join forces to help save the TACT centre in Crumlin.

TACT (Talnotry Avian Care Trust) operates a voluntarily run Wildlife Centre that cares for and rehabilitates sick, injured wild birds and mammals.

Animals that cannot be returned to the wild are given a home at the Centre and looked after for the rest of their lives by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. Over the years thousands of animals have been brought to TACT.

Mr Kinahan has appealed to the Environment Minister to review his decision to cease funding.

“TACT manages on a shoestring budget to care for some 150 injured and damaged animals ranging from swans to sparrows,” said Mr Kinahan. “They respond to mercy calls from all over Northern Ireland and across the border.

“A small staff of four in addition to some 30 volunteers manage the facility with help from the NEELB Education Officer alongside support from Disability Action. The centre provides therapy for those with special needs and assists with probationary commitments.

“It is a wonderful centre providing homes to house animals and birds which otherwise would have been killed or injured - often due to human carelessness or neglect.

“The centre needs £1,000 per week to survive.

“What is urgently required is funding.”