Four Paws animal shelter faces funding shortfall, threatening lives of innocent animals
The organisation seeks help in raising donations to keep its doors open to many animals in need.
The future of Four Paws, a non-profit championing animal welfare, hangs in the balance due to a critical funding crisis, jeopardising their essential services to save hundreds of animals.
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The shelter has put out many pleas for funding, most of which have gone unanswered, and the consequences of inaction will be devastating for many animals, according to Merinda Brits from the organisation.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the shelter has seen a decline in donations, exacerbated by the struggling economy and lack of corporate support.
The organisation was established in July 2006 and has rescued many animals.
“There is nowhere to go for the animals so they will have to be euthanised. We serve the township community by sterilising, vaccinating, dipping, deworming and treating their dogs and cats. Without this service, many animals will suffer and die,” said Brits.
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“We have lost many of our donors. People are struggling due to the economy and we battle to get big companies involved. We send out regular pleas, but we don’t always get the response we need, since the pandemic.”
She said to address the problem, they needed monthly donors to help them keep their doors open for the animals in need.
“If enough people sign up for debit orders, we won’t be struggling so much. We are also trying to get volunteers to arrange fundraising events, as we are already short-staffed but we haven’t been able to find anyone.”
Brits said collaborative efforts or partnerships with other animal welfare organisations to secure long-term funding are not an option as most animal welfare organisations rely on donations because they don’t receive funding from the government.
For more information or to make a donation contact Merinda Brits.
Details: 083 377 3219 or email: merinda@4ourpaws.org.za
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