A BLACKDOWN Hills animal sanctuary is appealing to supporters to help it survive a financial crisis which could see it close ‘in months’.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary, which has a charity shop in Wellington, warned it could run out of money in just a few months unless it received immediate support.
The sanctuay said it was facing ‘an unprecedented and severe financial downturn’ partly caused by ‘ongoing rising operational costs’.
The animal rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming charity, appealed for urgent ‘life-saving donations’ to allow it to continue carrying out its care and welfare work.
The charity presently homes more than 300 animals in its 72-acre sanctuary and employs more than 170 staff and volunteers.
said in the past two years, ‘hard costs’ had skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, with veterinary and medical bills rising by more than 46 per cent, and feed and bedding costs rising by more than 30 per cent.
Utilities and compulsory professional fees had also gone up by more than half, and the cost of labour had increased by about 20 per cent.
Ferne chief executive Kevan Hodges said it was a distressful situation for the charity to be in.
Mr Hodges said: “In our 85-year history we have never faced such challenging times.
“We urge animal lovers across the UK and internationally that can afford to support us, no matter how big or small the donation, to do so.
“We urgently need your help.
“We are caring for over 300 vulnerable animals currently, who are at risk of losing their home.
“Due to such difficult pasts, many of our animal residents are not suitable for rehoming, which puts their lives at risk if we are unable to keep afloat as a charity.
“Please help if you can, no donation is too small.
“Thank you - from all of us here at Ferne Animal Sanctuary.”
In an appeal to its members, the charity said it hoped to find a ‘benefactor with a big heart for animals, and a desire to own a beautiful patch of the Somerset countryside’.
Mr Hodges said the charity would consider selling a 20-acre plot of farmland along with a three-bedroom cottage in exchange for a nominal rent-back agreement which allowed it to continue using the land for its vital animal care activities.
He said in recent years Ferne had taken action to grow its income streams and reduce operational costs to offset the relentless rise in prices, but the charity still faced ‘an ultimate crisis’.
Mr Hodges said closure could leave more than 50 employees vulnerable and the lives of more than 300 animals at risk.
Ferne is one of the oldest animal charities in the UK and in its 85 years has rescued, rehabilitated, or rehomed about 40,000 animals.
The charity has started a £100,000 online appeal via JustGiving which has so far brought in £11,500.