So how and why did this all start.....
Stour Valley Dog Rescue is an unregistered "charity" based in Shillingstone, North Dorset primarily managed by one person.
FOR over nearly six years, my wife & I have supported both Sharon and the rescue itself through contributions of goods, time, transportation and donations.
Recently, we decided to withdraw all support due to discrepancies concerning the euthanasia of one of the dogs called Arnie, just one of the dogs under SVDR’s care.
During an incident where Arnie attacked another dog, which led to other dogs joining in due to pack mentality, both Sharon and another lady Vicky, were at the house and both sustained serious bites, and although I was also bitten, my clothing protected me significantly.
Vicky attended hospital and required stitches for her wounds, at the time Sharon refused to attend hospital even though the Ambulance call handler strongly recommended it.
There have been multiple instances where intervention was necessary to separate dogs involved in aggressive behaviour, resulting in injuries and subsequent decisions to euthanize some dogs on veterinary advice.
While we appreciate the goal of rescuing and rehoming dogs, trust and transparency are crucial for our involvement in any charitable cause.
The circumstances around Arnie's case raised concerns about the reliability of the information provided by the charity's representative, highlighting the need for accountability and clear communication within organizations responsible for vulnerable animals by this non-profit organisation.
Sharon then announced an inquiry into how Arnie was euthanized without her authorization or knowledge, attributing this decision to Vicky.
Let me make this very clear as I was there at the time as well as Vicky, it was the owner of the dog that authorised the Vet to carry on – The SVDR was NOT the legal owner of Arnie, the Vet did exactly what they should and followed all guidelines that have been put in place.
However, we had both informed Sharon that euthanasia was necessary given Arnie's behaviour - before Vicky took Arnie to the Vet. Vicky even phoned Sharon from the Vets, to give more details and information.
This situation has strained relationships and brings attention to critical concerns about the procedures and decision-making processes at Stour Valley Dog Rescue. It is important for such organizations to operate with professionalism and clarity to maintain the trust of their supporters and the community they serve.
We hope that SVDR will reflect on these events and commit to implementing improved systems to prevent similar occurrences. Transparency, honesty, and better communication are essential for the welfare of the animals and the integrity of the charity.
The decision to euthanize Arnie was made with safety in mind for both animals and humans involved. His behaviour posed a significant risk, and whilst difficult, the priority was the well-being of everyone affected. These decisions point to the challenging nature of rescue and rehabilitation work.
We also hope that SVDR will develop a stronger frameworks for communication and decision-making to manage such instances with greater clarity and collaboration. Through honest discourse and collective effort, the trust of supporters can be maintained, and the best outcomes for the animals can be achieved.
We have tolerated Sharon's noise with a manageable number of dogs. However, the situation has escalated to 9 dogs in a small 2-bed bungalow. They are separated and shut in different rooms for their safety , Sharon's, and her severely disabled daughters safety.
A few days after the incident with Arnie we heard Sharon screaming (yet again) at dogs to stop and the sound of dogs fighting, on asking if she was OK it was very clear to us (and another fully independent witness) Sharon had been badly bitten YET AGAIN. This situation requires immediate attention. Sharon lacks the necessary control and strength to effectively separate the dogs during altercations, which puts her at serious risk of injury.
The primary concern was for the safety of Sharon and her daughter. While Sharon has successfully rescued many dogs, it is important to note that these animals predominantly come from Romania with limited background information provided to her. Additionally, other individuals have expressed concerns about Sharon's safety.
We have received messages from various people who have fostered dogs and shared their worries regarding Sharon rehoming dogs that have issues with children or other dogs. It is crucial to address this matter to prevent potential harm.