Sheffield Animal Rescue institution 'hangs on a cliff edge' after funds run out

South Yorkshire Animal Rescue has occupied the same building on South Road in Walkley since 1983, but 2020 could prove to be its last unless more funds are raised.

The charity is appealing for Christmas donations in order to help pay rent and protect the future of the shop, so it can continue to raise money for the vital animal rescue operations carried out by SYAR.

A notice from the shop’s volunteers said: “The future of this shop now hangs on a cliff edge. The reserve funds are gone. If we don’t raise January’s rent in December we will close.

"You can support this charity by buying some of our donated gods or leaving a Christmas donation.”

Sheffield animal rescues financially hit due to coronavirus outbreak

Philip Slack, a committee member for the charity, said that the building in Walkley costs around £1000 a month to run.

South Yorkshire Animal Rescue has helped thousands of injured animals including birds, squirrels and hedgehogs, since being set up in Sheffield 37 years ago.

The animals it helps are routinely nursed back to health and released back into the wild

The shop sells donated goods as well as animal feeds and supplies.

The charity has experienced financial difficulties for a few years, and faced closure in 2017. However, it was saved by donations from readers following a campaign in The Star to raise funds.

Research has shown that during the pandemic animal rescue charities have lost more than half their income and many are struggling to survive.

Coronavirus map shows the one area of Sheffield that is now almost Covid-19 free

Speaking during the national lockdown earlier this year, David Bowles, RSPCA head of public affairs, said: “Although most of the country is on lockdown, animals still need rescuing, feeding, walking, taking care of – and all of that is extremely expensive.

“This has left many, smaller charities at risk of imminent closure with nearly half saying they may not have funds to survive the lockdown."

You can donate to the shop by visiting at 359 South Street, Walkley. You can also contact staff on 0114 234 9656.

The shop reopens today (December 2), having been closed during the lockdown.