Furry friends throughout the city are in safe hands, with one animal-mad charity playing its part to care for the county’s hairy hounds, cuddly kittens and pretty ponies and plenty others, and send them on to the most loving homes they can find.

The dedicated 35 staff members and 135 wonderful volunteers of Oak Tree Animals’ Charity are proud to provide a safe haven for homeless animals, and are doing a cracking job.

In 2019 – the Carlisle charity’s 110th year of running – the team saw more than 2,000 animals passed on to loving families, with 900 dogs, 889 cats and 41 horses making their way to a forever home.

The charity, based at Oak Tree Farm, Wetheral Shields, stems from a team initially set up by animal welfare pioneer, Francis Cox, back in 1909.

Launching the National Equine Defence League, Francis successfully strove to improve the lives of 72,000 pit ponies before his death in 1920, aged 58.

But his drive to help lived on through avid animal welfare advocate, Alfred Brisco.

The First World War soldier was scarred after fighting in the Battle of Cambria, witnessing the endless suffering of animals on the battlefields of France.

Alfred vowed no animal should suffer again if he could help it, and so in 1925, the Carlisle Animal Friends’ Society was born.

The charity aimed to free horses of the cruel treatment the veteran had seen, campaigning tirelessly against everything from inhumane animal traps to the export of horses for slaughter.

But one of the key aspects of Alfred’s plight was the care he gave to those animals nearing the end of their days.

Touring the entire Carlisle district on his motorbike, he offered a cheap – or more often than not, free – euthanasia service to ensure each and every pony he met could have a painless passing.

On the cusp of World War Two, the London-based National Equine Defence League merged with Alfred’s charity in 1938, in a bid to move all ponies and horses to safe places, creating the Home of Rest for Horses in Carlisle, and National Equine (and Smaller Animals) Defence League, with Alfred at its head as director.

Moving on 44 years, HRH Princess Alexandra opened the Oak Tree Farm charity headquarters, becoming Oak Tree Animals’ Charity in 2016.

And the team’s unwavering devotion to their animals has never wavered, with all at Oak Tree continuing to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership providing homing services for cats, dogs and horses.

Travelling across the county to meet-and-greet fellow animal lovers is a key part of life for the group, offering community support, advice and education while on tour – typically accompanied by a brilliant four-legged buddy or two, who are always happy to say hello in exchange for an ear-scratch or tummy-tickle.

The furry fundraisers also enjoy spending time in the spotlight, acting as mini celebrities for the charity, and their virtual Easter event proved a success despite being in lockdown.

With a short story competition and a dog show, including categories from Puppy Dog Eyes to Rescue Rogues, the Easter Fair raised more than £400 to support animals in need.

Spreading even more cheer throughout the area, the team handed out 226 dog and cat food parcels to the community with the help of foodbanks.

Back at the centre, TLC comes first for each and every resident.

The Small Animal and Equine Team works with the animals on any behavioural issues they have, training, medical needs, exercise and any other support they need to get them re-homing ready.

But adoption is not the only option out there.

A “fantastic family” of foster carers are available at Oak Tree, providing temporary care – and endless love – to animals who left their owner and home in an emergency situation, such as domestic violence.

And for those having to give up pets due to living in a rented property or homelessness, the charity last year launched its Pets in Rentals and Helping Paws schemes.

Many have been helped through difficult times thanks to the initiatives, including one woman who lost her home when looking after four children and two cats.

Although the family could be placed in a refuge hostel, the cats were turned away.

But the family could relax, knowing the cats had been taken in and cared for by Oak Tree.

When the mother and youngsters were back on their feet with a place to call home after 79 days, they were overwhelmed and delighted to be reunited with their beloved pets – an outcome that would not have been guaranteed if not for the charity.

If you're just as devoted to animals, and are feeling rather jealous of those who spend their days giving the adored residents as much love, care and attention as possible, worry not, as you can also play a key part in their lives if you'd like to.

Everything from becoming a volunteer and attending the charity's events to buying the group items from their Amazon Wish List is appreciated and needed by all those at Oak Tree.

General manager, Caroline Johnson, said: "[We] would like to thank our supporters and the general public for their patience and understanding at these unprecedented times."

The charity is regularly keeping those interested in fostering, adopting or just helping out updated.

If you’re missing having a cuddle with far-away family pets, you can catch Oak Tree’s online Speaking to Animals event on May 30, by visiting their Facebook page.

For more information on any of the services offered by Oak Tree, or for help and advice, visit their website www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk,email info@oaktreeanimals.org.uk, or give the team a ring on 01228 560082.