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Linmeyer Community Animal Rescue (LCARA) has issued an urgent appeal for community support as rising costs and mounting veterinary bills threaten its ability to continue helping hundreds of animals every month.

The rescue organisation faces veterinary accounts totalling approximately R70 000 while spending around R55 000 a month on food and a further R17 000 on veterinary care.

According to LCARA director Ursula Hope, the organisation assists around 450 cats and dogs every month, including feral cat colonies, for a total of roughly 5,400 animals over the course of a year.

“We have always struggled with financial support, which is why we are now sitting with a crisis. There are just too many impoverished families, with their animals taking the brunt of the situation,” said Hope.

Supporting animals where help is needed most

LCARA’s work extends beyond rescue operations. The organisation provides free outreach sterilisations to families who cannot afford veterinary care, helping to prevent unwanted litters and reduce animal suffering before it begins.

Hope said LCARA performs an average of 90 free sterilisations every month. While a sponsor covers the cost of 60 procedures, the organisation must secure donations for the remaining 30 or pay for them itself.

“They will be fed if the family has leftovers; otherwise, they starve. This is where LCARA steps in by providing food, sterilisations and preventative care,” she explained.

The organisation also provides veterinary treatment for injured stray animals, supports foster homes, feeds feral cat colonies and assists abandoned animals in need of safety and care.

Small team carrying a heavy burden

Despite the scale of its work, LCARA relies on only five active volunteers on the ground and three short-term foster homes for emergency cases.

Hope warned that every aspect of the organisation’s operations could be affected if additional support is not secured.

“Outreach feeding, veterinary care for stray injured animals and our sterilisation drive will all be impacted,” she said.

“The current financial crisis is not simply about an organisation struggling to survive. It is about the animals who depend on us.”

Animals will suffer if support falls away

Hope said many people underestimate the difference one person can make.

“Every bag of food, every donation, every share on social media, and every act of kindness helps us continue saving lives. Many people assume that someone else will step in, but the reality is that animal welfare organisations like LCARA survive because ordinary people choose to care.”

She explained that the consequences of scaling back services would be devastating for the animals that rely on the organisation every day.

“If we are forced to scale back our work, it is the hungry dog waiting for a meal, the feral cat needing food and sterilisation, the injured stray requiring urgent veterinary care, and the abandoned puppy or kitten needing a safe place to go that will suffer the consequences.”

Hope added that LCARA is not a large organisation with unlimited resources but a small team of dedicated volunteers working daily to assist vulnerable animals and communities.

Community urged to get involved

The organisation is calling on residents, businesses, sponsors and animal lovers to help by donating, volunteering, fostering animals or sharing its appeal.

“The animals cannot ask for help themselves, so today we are asking on their behalf,” said Hope.

“At the end of the day, this is not about LCARA. It is about the animals who depend on us every single day. We are simply their voice. We hope the community will stand with us and help ensure that no animal is left hungry, suffering or forgotten.”

Those wishing to assist LCARA can make a donation using the following banking details:

Bank: FNB

Account Name: LCARA

Account Number: 62890028981

Branch Code: 250655

Account Type: Cheque Account

Reference: HOPE

Proof of payment can be sent via WhatsApp to 082 559 8036.

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