ALL Creatures Great and Small animal sanctuary is racing to beat the clock - with just three fundraising days left before a decision is made about its future.

The closure deadline for the Torfaen animal sanctuary is looming after it was given until the end of this month to raise £150,000 to buy out the part-owner, a former trustee, and save the homes of over 400 animals.

Viv Harris, the owner of the remaining half of the site at Church Farm, Llanfrechfa, near Cwmbran, has so far managed to raise around £70,000 from donations and fundraising activities. The latest donation was one of £20,000 from an anonymous donor. But with nearly £60,000 still to go, she fears it is too little, too late.

"It is not looking good at the moment," she said. "It's getting critical and near Doomsday. We have to tell him on Monday whether or not we can buy his half of the farm and if not, then we won't be able to carry on.

"However, we don't know what's around the corner. There must be a saviour out there somewhere."

Trustees, volunteers and members of the National Animal Sanctuary Support League (NASSL) are still fighting to keep the farm open and an online fundraising auction is continuing to attract attention.

Trustee Keith Protheroe said: "We have over 400 rescued animals at All Creatures Great and Small, including pigs, kittens, cattle, horses and foxes. We were pleased to offer them all a haven in troubled times, but we don't know how long we can continue to help animals in need."

Ms Harris has spent the months since she was given the deadline looking for alternative accommodation, but has been unable to find anything big enough within her price range. Lesley McMahon, NASSL area co-ordinator, said there was nothing more they could do to help and the sanctuary needed "a miracle".

"Everywhere is full of animals, so there is no way we could rehome them," she said. "That is the problem. It's a terrible situation to be in and she needs a miracle. If one of the big national charities could help, or if someone won the Lottery, that would answer her prayers. If she does close, it will have a devastating effect on animal welfare in Wales." She also said the closure would affect community groups, such as people with special needs, who volunteer at the sanctuary and enjoy working with animals.

*TO donate money or adopt an animal, contact Viv Harris on 01633 866144 or at Save Our Sanctuary Appeal, PO Box 39, Church Farm, Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran NP44 8AD. lIf you are organising an event, let us know on 01633 484901.