IT’S a fact that Barry Docks have long been a haven for many animals who have lived undisturbed for years since the dock lands have ceased to operate.

Development in and around the town has been phenomenal and these creatures are paying the price. Their habitat is being used up by us. We are the ones to blame.

All manner of creatures, plants and trees have been destroyed. Those that manage to escape will move on.

Newts, frogs, toads, rabbits, foxes, birds, butterflies, bees, hedgehogs, mice and yes, those things that people detest most, rats. It is obvious: if their habitat is being destroyed, they have no choice but to occupy the nearest place of refuge, and who can blame them?

Obviously the developers won’t commit themselves. It’s just that rats have always been around but they are people’s nightmares.

I’ve seen them in many places around the Island. We have them in our garden, since the field behind is being excavated. Wherever you go you are never far from a rat, but whatever you think about them it is not their fault.

We are disturbing them. We want their homes for ourselves and cutting back all the vegetation on the banks won’t solve the problem. It will only take more precious habitat away from other species that thrive there that we do like.

An old adage comes to mind here: we reap what we sow. However, all is not lost. There are plenty of cute and cuddly cats currently seeking new homes at SHUA’s cat sanctuary in Barry, just waiting for a job to do.

T Abery

Laburnum Close

Barry