A SOMERSET animal sanctuary needs the public’s support if it is to continue rehoming and looking after the hundreds of animals in its care.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard, one of the oldest animal charities in the world, launched an appeal in May as it said a “significant cashflow crisis” built up which threatened its future.
The sanctuary looks after a variety of animals with around 300 dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and guinea pigs all rehomed each year – many of which have suffered at the hands of humans.
The site is also home to 300 other animals that cannot be rehomed and subsequently live out the rest of their lives at the 72 acre sanctuary.
Tabitha is a resident of Ferne Picture: Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Chief executive officer at the animal sanctuary, Kevan Hodges, said the animal rescue charity has seen a 40-50% increase in costs per year and a similar decrease in income.
The target amount they were looking to raise is £100,000 – of which they have raised £79,000 so far through donations – but a final push is needed to secure its future.
Vet bills and medical costs have skyrocketed by 60%, Mr Hodges said, with costs of feed, bedding, utilities and staff costs rising between 20% and 50%.
Rocky, who underwent a hip replacement surgery earlier in the month Picture: Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Mr Hodges said: “Our band of loyal and dedicated supporters are brilliant. The charity would not exist without them and their ever-generous donations.
“Ferne is grateful to have so many people who love animals as much as we do.”
Mr Hodges added he had seen an increase in kittens at the sanctuary due to pet owners not neutering their cats as well as dogs with behavioural issues – both of which are draining the sanctuary’s resources.
“The rising bills have certainly been the biggest contributor to cashflow issues,” he said. “However, there has been an increase in two key areas of animal care.
“Too many people are not bothering to have their female cats neutered; this has resulted in constant mother cats and kittens since spring 2023 with no let up at all for our cattery team.
“There are also many more dogs with behavioural issues due to a lack of being socialised with other animals and humans; this means it takes them longer to find their forever home.”
Ferne started on August 28, 1939 at the outbreak of WWII when Lady Nina Duchess of Hamilton & Brandon issued a live broadcast on BBC Radio asking for free homes for displaced pets and other animals due to bombing or their owners going to war.
During the war Ferne saved approximately 6,000 animals and has rescued, rehomed, and rehabilitated about 40,000 in total
A Ferne Animal Sanctuary spokesperson said: “It is vital that we continue to carry out our much-needed animal welfare work for another eighty-five years, and beyond; yet we find ourselves amid an unprecedented and severe financial downturn and need your help now more than ever!”
The animal sanctuary offers a day pass to allow you to walk through the grounds and see the many animals it cares for. For more information, visit their website.
To donate to the appeal, visit Ferne Animal Sanctuary on JustGiving.
Please tell me why I should donate or assist Get me when they cannot even be bothered to return my calls????