Background

The Ark Animal Rescue and Retirement Home faces an uncertain future as the date for the appeal against the noise abatement order served by East Lindsey District Council draws near. The notice was served on the Ark back in November 2018 and the final hearing is to be heard at Lincoln Magistrates Court on the 6th September.

The shelter has cared for thousands of dogs and other animals over the last 34 years, and support has been pouring in from volunteers and local residents. Despite the free Legal assistance Bridge McFarland has been happy to offer the costs of an appeal are numerous and the Ark launched crowdfunding page on 21st Feb 2019 to be able to cover the other costs of the appeal. There has been nearly £10,000 donated to the shelter to help with the costs associated with a legal challenge including a independent comprehensive acoustic report.

Susan Rice, the manager at The Ark Animal Rescue Centre, thanks people for their overwhelming levels of support “We are all genuinely, heartfelt and eternally grateful for everyone who has donated, shared and supported the campaign.

“Due to the success so far we have been able to appoint our noise experts who have prepared us a comprehensive report and will be also attending court to support us. Along with all our wonderful supporters we want to thank our solicitor Joe Pepper of Bridge McFarland LLP who continues to work for us for free.”

Upcoming Court Hearing

Joe Pepper, a Commercial Solicitor at Bridge McFarland LLP, will be attending Lincoln Magistrates Court on the 6th September to continue to assist the Ark with their appeal again the noise abatement notice.

The Ark has secured the services of Barrister Sarah Clover of Kings Chambers in Birmingham to assist at the hearing and are incredibly grateful for all the support that has enabled them to do this. Solicitor Joe Pepper thanks everyone for their support “The Ark has always tried to work closely and proactively with the local authority and local community and is disappointed to be on the brink of a court hearing. “

The Ark Shelter does wonderful work and it is my hope that they will continue to operate and look after vulnerable animals for many years to come. Sue and her team have gone to extraordinary lengths to address issues as they have been raised, and I hope that this is recognised.”

“I know that we have the communities’ support, and that is really helping Sue and her team to keep on fighting for the animals they care for”.