Supporters of an animal sanctuary – filmed and considered ‘unsanitary’ by Gloucestershire Animal Action and the Western Animal Rights Network – have defended the centre’s owner John Warwick.

The activists claim that animals at the Swindon And District Animal Haven in Wootton Bassett are not properly looked after. Supporters say animals they have re-homed from the centre have been really healthy.

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According to This Is North Scotland, the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit have been awarded funds by the National Lottery to purchase a replica whale. The cash will pay for a replacement whale for their current one, which the group describe as, ‘past its best’. The old whale has been used for volunteer training purposes, to teach rescuing techniques.

The group has been allocated nearly £10,000, the new whale will cost £1,000. The rest of the money will be spent on dry suits, veterinary supplies, storage cases and a trailer to help carry equipment out to stranded whales.