ANIMALS IN NEED

Counting the rising costs of caring

We all have rising fuel charges, but imagine trying to run an animal sanctuary as those costs keep increasing. It's far from easy. Animals in Need's Annie Marriott talks to Pulse's Sammy Jones about the added burden...

To say that the majority of us are feeling the pinch right now is not to put too fine a point on it.

Remember the time when you could fill your shopping trolley and not break the bank?

With petrol prices rising ridiculously, you'll soon have to choose between the car or the fuel, but you'll not be able to afford both. Ok, it's not quite that bad, but every day the media delights in sharing its grim findings about the economy of the country, which increases anxiety.

Gas and electricity bills have risen exponentially and we're not even dealing with the chills of winter yet. It's tough and there's no end in sight.

And for charities like Animals in Need, it's not dogs snapping at their heels that are the issue, it's those stress-inducing fuel bills dropping onto the doormat.

Animals in Need are there to pick up the pieces when animals have been irresponsibly bred, and then thrown out like trash. Or when wildlife has been injured. Or when people pass away and their beloved furries are left alone. The reasons why animals end up at AIN are many, with some situations more complex than others.

“We are receiving more animals than ever,” said AIN manager Annie, “A regular reason given is that people can't afford to care for them anymore. Our kennels and catteries are bursting with good boys and girls who don't understand why they are here. It's bewildering and scary for them.”

And it means that AIN is faced with an everincreasing workload. AIN relies on its legion of supporters and fundraisers to keep them afloat and get the work done. A small staff team are paid a modest salary to care for their 100s of animals, while more than 100 volunteers muck in and keep the centre in Little Irchester functioning.

The people at AIN are warm and welcoming, but that doesn't sort out those substantial bills they are faced with; their last quarterly bill for electric and gas charges was close to £15k.

No, that's not a typo.

“For us to survive these kinds of crazy bills we need solar panels,” Annie said, “We simply will not survive such astronomical bills landing on our mat. It staggers me, to be honest. I purchased my first home 30 years ago for £28k and now the bills at the centre are more than half of that a quarter and about to get worse. It's ridiculous, and simply not sustainable.”

You might think, 'surely they can turn off the heating,' 'turn down the thermostat a notch' and be a bit more responsible.

But the truth is that AIN is in permanent economy mode. Every penny always counts here. It's that prudence which allows them to be there for any animal that needs support. But the squeeze is ever tightening.

Just some of AIN's current residents: A cute kitty, a leopard gecko (left), a bearded dragon and a pup (below), and tortoises (right)

With dozens of dogs and cats to care for, fresh blankets are always in short supply, and the washing machines never stop – they literally run all day to keep a steady stream of fresh laundry.

And they aren't just your typical kitchen appliances – the charity has two industrial washers and dryers.

Annie and her team rely on those aforementioned volunteers who take away washing loads and hang them from their own lines to dry on gloriously warm days.

But it's not only washing that eats up pounds and pence – many animals need incubators, and heat lamps are needed for a variety of species, including the exotics that find themselves in the care of the charity.

“At the moment we have a corn snake, a leopard gecko and a bearded dragon in specialised heated vivariums. They are all here through no fault of their own and we have the same duty of care to them as we do to our dogs, horses, cats or any other creature, and nothing is free, it all costs. And of course all of our kennels and catteries are heated too.

“There is the very real possibility that our next electricity bill will be in excess of 35k. We need solar panels urgently.”

And it's not only the bills that are rising – the number of animals being handed in is up too, by a huge amount.

“Sadly, we are still seeing the effects of people who purchased animals during lockdown without thinking through the implications of taking one on. As people who were working from home continue to return to the office setting, we have seen an influx of cats and dogs as people realise that it's not practical to leave an animal home alone all day.

“The cost of living crisis is making things even harder; people are looking for ways to cut costs, and it's the little puppy in the corner, or the old girl who needs more veterinary care with age that is being given up. Can you imagine how heartbreaking and terrifying that is for the animal?

“Rescue centres everywhere are full and so are all the pounds, which have begun killing perfectly healthy, young dogs to make room for incoming animals.

“It's important to say that many owners are giving their animals to us out of sheer desperation, and there have been some very difficult 'goodbyes' between owner and pet on site too.”

Annie and her husband, Animals in Need founder Roy, remain ever grateful for the help provided by their tight-knit team: “They really are everything; come rain or shine, they keep coming back to keep us going – and when they might be mucking out chickens or clearing out the kennels it can be hard, whiffy work!

“We have an amazing group here, and we are all great at picking each other up when we feel down. There is a real camaraderie.

“We are always looking for more volunteers who aren't afraid of hard work, and who want to join us in making a real difference. If that's you, please get in touch.”

If you can't spare the time, but you can spare a dime, or should we say a quid or two, that would be amazing and the details are below. But as we said at the start, times are tough.

You can still help by using social media: “Spreading the word on our work helps, sharing the posts from our FB page, helping with fundraising efforts...there are so many ways to support us, and we'd be so grateful.”

During these times of mounting stresses, Annie's takes her 'riches' where she can find them: “One look into the eyes of a traumatised animal in our care that is learning to trust again, being able to release a recuperated wild animal, or saving a chicken from slaughter is reward enough,” Annie told Pulse.

But ask about her thoughts for the future, and she can't think of next month, let alone 12 months from now.

“I can't allow myself to think too far ahead,” she admitted, “We just have to take it one day at a time and keep moving.”

> If you would like to donate your time to AIN, can help with fundraising, or work with a solar panel company and would like to make contact, please email: admin@animals-in-need.org or call 01933 278080.

A show you would be barking mad to miss

Animals in Need will be holding a Fun Dog Show at Irchester Country Park to raise some necessary funds, on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29. Stalls and classes will include Best kisser, Prettiest pooch, Best rehomed & rescued, Best in show, Cutest puppy, Best veteran, Waggiest tail and Best trick. All pooches and owners are welcome. The event opens at 11am and judging will begin at midday. It costs £2 per canine, per class and all money raised goes directly to support those animals awaiting a loving home of their own. Anyone who reckons themselves to be a dog lover would be barking mad to miss it!