SECURITY has been tightened at an animal sanctuary in the wake of a number of confrontations with "abusive characters" including a drunken man armed with a samurai sword.

Intruders at the RSPCA's animal home in Landing Lane, Holgate, York, have also forced staff to take extra safety steps, according to the York and district branch's annual report which reflects on a "very hectic and interesting year".

Eileen Taylor, branch secretary, said: "During this past year we have had to concentrate more on the safety aspect concerning our staff because of a few abusive characters, and the odd person slipping into the home undetected.

"The animal home has had to resort to thinking more of its own security and restrict access, and this defeats the object of what we are trying to achieve in finding good homes for these unfortunate and cast-off pets."

One incident saw a drunken 47-year-old - Paul Lovie, of Rose Street, York - storm into the home, desperate to get his dog, Rosie, back. He was armed with a sawn-off air rifle and a samurai sword.

After a two-hour armed siege, he gave himself up.

Lovie later admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possessing an offensive weapon and criminal damage. He was jailed for 15 months.

The court heard Rosie was taken from Lovie after he asked a vet about having the dog put down. When told the cost, he threatened to kill the dog himself with a pickaxe handle. The RSPCA later seized Rosie from Lovie's home.

The report reflects on the highs and lows of the past year, including fundraising successes and the 25 new home visitor recruits.

It also features stories of animals which came into its care including Harry, a lurcher who was found tied to the animal home gates, tired and emaciated, and a very thin Neapolitan Masty found wandering the streets with sore eyes and in-growing eyelashes. The vet told staff: "He has just learned to live with this pain".

Manager Elaine Murdoch,

pictured, reported that 476 of the 567 dogs which went to the home had been rehomed, as were 424 of the 509 cats.

"All the 567 dogs have a story to tell - I hope 2005 finds them all new happy lives," she said.

Chairman Robert Thompson paid tribute to the volunteers who help at the animal home, charity shop or carry out home checks.

"We cannot run as a branch so efficiently without your help nor would the dogs gain so much pleasure from a good walk," he wrote. The home is having an open day on July 10, which is the flagship event of the charity's fundraising year.

Updated: 10:12 Monday, June 27, 2005