The charity needs £33,000 to continue operations.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary has launched an urgent appeal for donations to enable it to continue its animal rescue work.

The Somerset-based animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming charity last issued an appeal in May, which raised over £67,000 – 67 per cent of its £100,000 goal. It still needs £33,000 to continue its operations.

The Sanctuary’s veterinary and medical costs alone average over £6,300 each month, with supplies such as bedding adding an additional £2,000 per month. It is also facing rising expenses for heating, shelter and maintenance.

In the past two years, veterinary and medical bills have risen by over 46 per cent, feed and bedding by over 30 per cent, utilities and professional fees by over 50 per cent and labour costs by approximately 20 per cent.

Although the charity has attempted to grow income streams and reduce operational costs, it has not been enough to avoid a ‘cash crisis’.

Donations from the public have enabled Ferne Animal Sanctuary to rescue animals in need, including seven-year-old shar pei Jessi.

Following the death of her owner, Jessi faced a euthanasia appointment the same day. Due to donations, Ferne Animal Sanctuary was able to save Jessi and give her a safe place to stay.

Recently rehomed Labrador-crossbreed Rocky has also benefitted from donations to the Sanctuary. The charity spent approximately £6,000 on vital medical bills for Rocky’s hip replacement surgery. He is now making a full recovery.

Where pets are rehomed with a pre-existing condition, Ferne Animal Sanctuary provides the pet and its owner with the financial support to manage the animal’s care and welfare.

The charity has thanked the public for its donations so far, which it says has made an ‘incredible life-changing difference’.

Kevan Hodges, chief executive officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: "We still have a long way to go, to ensure we can continue our animal welfare and care to the more than 300 vulnerable animals we home currently. Due to such difficult pasts, many of our animal residents are not suitable for rehoming, which puts them at greater risk if we are unable to maintain all our services as a charity.

“Please help if you can, no donation is too small. Thank you - from all of us here at Ferne Animal Sanctuary.”

To donate, visit the Ferne Animal Sanctuary donations page.

Image © Ferne Animal Sanctuary