Ferne Animal Sanctuary, situated near Chard, has issued a desperate plea for additional funding to navigate a cash-flow challenge, stating that it requires £100,000 to sustain operations over the next four months due to escalating expenses.
The appeal follows closely on the heels of a recent rescue effort where the sanctuary retrieved three cats discovered confined in a sealed cardboard box.
“We’re mobilizing all resources to overcome this hurdle,” remarked Kevan Hodges, CEO of the charity. “In the broader context, we’re expanding our network of charity shops to bolster our financial resources.”
The sanctuary provides shelter to approximately 300 animals at any given time, with many remaining under its care for the entirety of their lives.
Nikki Haddock, the animal care manager at Ferne, emphasized the financial strain posed by the increasing influx of animals with behavioral and untreated medical issues, which incur substantial costs. She revealed that the annual veterinary treatments bill ranges between £80,000 and £100,000.
Despite the challenges, Haddock noted that the recently rescued cats from the cardboard box are progressing well, albeit one of them being pregnant.
Mr. Hodges elaborated on the mounting costs associated with veterinary bills and provisions, expressing the charity’s struggle to cope with the rising expenses.
“We find ourselves in a precarious financial position, where liquidity is paramount,” Hodges shared during an interview with BBC Radio Somerset. “The success of this appeal in the coming months is critical for our survival, given the significant cost escalation we’ve endured over the past two years.”
While the charity endeavors to offset the financial strain by expanding its charity shop network, Hodges stressed the immediate reliance on the success of the fundraising appeal.
“I’m resolutely optimistic that we will overcome this hurdle,” Hodges affirmed, expressing confidence in the sanctuary’s ability to weather the storm.
