An animal rescue charity is at risk of closure and 50 employees could lose their jobs due to an “unprecedented and severe financial downturn”.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary, which is based in Chard, Somerset, provides care and shelter for stray, neglected and unwanted animals.
The charity, which has about 120 volunteers and is home to more than 300 animals, said costs had “skyrocketed to unprecedented levels” in the past two years.
It said vet and medical bills had risen by more than 46 per cent, feed and bedding by more than 30 per cent, utilities and compulsory professional fees by more than 50 per cent and labour costs by about 20 per cent.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary said it was facing an “ultimate crisis” despite taking action to grow its income.
“Without immediate support, funds could run out for the long-standing Somerset animal charity, within a few short months,” it said.
The charity has launched an urgent appeal with a £100,000 fundraising target.
It is also considering selling a 20-acre plot of farmland and a three-bedroom cottage in exchange for a nominal rent-back agreement.
The sanctuary, which had an annual income of £1.6m in the financial year ending 31 March 2023, said the sale would allow it to continue using the land for its “vital animal activities”.
Kevan Hodges, chief executive of Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said the charity had never faced such challenging times.
“We urge animal-lovers across the UK and internationally that can afford to support us, no matter how big or small the donation, to do so,” he said.
“We are caring for over 300 vulnerable animals currently, who are at risk of losing their home.
“Due to such difficult pasts, many of our animal residents are not suitable for rehoming, which puts their lives at risk if we are unable to keep afloat as a charity.”