An animal rescue charity is taking on a record number of abandoned pets while fewer people come forward to adopt them.
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare has launched an urgent appeal to help meet the costs incurred by what it says is a “perfect storm” of high heating expenses, surging animal intake, and fewer adoptions.
Heating and lighting alone costs the charity £360 every day and the charity’s spend on essential veterinary medicines has increased by 66% on the same period last year.
Entirely reliant on public donations, Raystede must raise £2.5 million annually to continue its vital work.
Last year, Raystede had an unprecedented 4,278 requests to take animals into its care, with many of the animals it was able to help arriving in need of medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Yet, the rising financial strain on households has also slowed adoptions, leaving more animals in its care for longer.
Winter is often a season that brings unexpected costs too, for example the recent high winds caused by Storm Darragh completely flattened one of Raystede’s equine field shelters.
The cost to replace the shelter ensuring their resident ponies and horses can stay warm and dry will cost the charity around £3,500.
Stephanie Smith, Chief Executive of Raystede, explained: “Many of the animals we care for have suffered neglect, abuse or abandonment. It’s our mission to provide them with warmth, safety and hope, but we can’t do it alone.
“Rising costs are affecting us all, but the situation at Raystede remains challenging. Our energy bills are huge and the cost of veterinary medicine is now significant, particularly as we’re taking in more animals with behavioural and medical needs as well as those that require longer ongoing care.
“Every pound donated helps us protect vulnerable animals, from elderly dogs and cats to rescued rabbits, goats, donkeys and horses.”
