The RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre has urged the public to help “safeguard” its future, as usual income streams remain unavailable amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Covid-19 restrictions mean Llys Nini’s charity shops have been closed since March, and fundraising events have been postponed – placing the charity in a “challenging position”.
Despite this, Llys Nini is continuing to provide care for some 50 animals – and has launched an urgent new fundraising drive to “avert a local animal welfare crisis”.
The Swansea-based centre has launched a Safe Haven Scheme – a monthly giving programme, where members of the public can sponsor the animal accommodation which provides a secure environment for animals.
Many of the animals coming into the branch’s care have been rescued by RSPCA inspectors and officers – often escaping situations of abuse, extreme neglect or mistreatment.
Lulu arrived at Llys Nini after being rescued by the RSPCA inspectorate. She had horrific untreated burn injuries – which are thought to have come as a consequence of being scalded by hot liquid.
She has been nursed back to health by Animal Centre staff. Long after her physical injuries healed, centre staff worked tirelessly to improve Lulu’s mental wellbeing following the trauma she had been through. The dog is now with a foster carer, following rehabilitation and care at the centre, and will hopefully soon be ready for permanent rehoming.
Donors who sponsor accommodation will be funding the spaces which have helped dogs like Lulu, and countless other animals – including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and other small domestic animals.
Gary Weeks, Llys Nini Animal Centre manager, said: “We’re calling on supporters and those who care about animal welfare to respond to this emergency call and help safeguard our future.
“Our dedicated staff are providing care for some 50 animals – but our traditional funding sources have dried up; with charity shops having to close for many weeks and events cancelled.
“The bulk of our income comes from these 12 charity shops and our fundraising events. Without this funding, we face a really challenging position.
“Dogs like Lulu rely on our services. Llys Nini worked so hard to nurse her back to health, and deal with the mental trauma she had faced. When she goes to her forever home, she will join the countless animals to pass through our care on their way to loving new homes, and a second chance of happiness.
“But we need people’s help to keep doing this work and avert a local animal welfare crisis. That’s why we have launched the Safe Haven Scheme – which will give our supporters the chance to sponsor accommodation space which provides such a lifeline for animals every day of the year.
“From just £1 a week, our supporters can be a special Safe Haven Sponsor of a rescue space at Llys Nini – and help us to keep helping animals like Lulu; and the estimated 2,000 animals we help each and every year.”
More information on the Safe Haven scheme is available online – including information on a welcome pack for subscribers, featuring a car sticker and certificate with the animal accommodation number on.
