Sheffield animal rescues financially hit due to coronavirus outbreak

Animal rescue charities across the country, including in Sheffield, are struggling due to the lack of income during the coronavirus.
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Thornberry Animal Sanctuary based in North Anston has spoken out about the difficulties being faced.

The charity which has been established for over 32 years is facing its most challenging period to date, as it continues to provide the highest levels of care to the most vulnerable animals, despite its fundraising incomes being absolutely devastated.

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The sanctuary rescues and rehomes abandoned and unwanted dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and other animals is one of the most well established and well-respected animal rescue centres in South Yorkshire.

Can you help animal rescue charities during this difficult time?Can you help animal rescue charities during this difficult time?
Can you help animal rescue charities during this difficult time?

In the last 12 months the sanctuary rehomed 144 dogs, 169 cats and kittens, 107 rabbits and other small animals, 26 horses, over 3,000 hens and a variety of other animals including lizards, pigs and ferrets.

To support these animals the charity employs 27 members of staff across both full time and part time hours and works with four different veterinarians who provide services for the sanctuary.

The charities vet bill is upwards of £10,000 a month, which along with the general overheads of running the sanctuary and the salaries of animal carers (who cannot be furloughed as they are needed to provide care), and the outgoings start adding up.

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The charity, like many, runs a tight ship with its finances at the best of times but the surprise and unknown future of Coronavirus has really unsteadied the boat.

As a result of the Coronavirus lockdown, Thornberry has had to close its two onsite charity shops, café, bookshop, furniture shop and online sales as they cannot fulfil any orders. This is resulting in a loss of over £2,500 per week.

Ged Jenkins-Omar, fundraising manager for Thornberry Animal Sanctuary said: “This is a very strange time for us all right now and everyone is doing what they can to survive. Our supporters have been amazing and we can’t thank them enough. We are already seeing animal rescues around the country on the brink of closing because of Coronavirus. Thankfully Thornberry has reserves in place to make sure we can continue. If anyone can help in any way that would be really appreciated.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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