A UK-registered animal rescue charity is on the brink of collapse, with more than 2,000 dogs at risk of death and only one week's worth of running costs left in the bank.
Animal SOS Sri Lanka is the largest animal sanctuary in South Asia that works with the UK to rehome abused, disabled and vulnerable street dogs.
The centre offers a "lifeline" to refuge otherwise doomed dogs and cats - and now it's workers and volunteers are desperately pleading for urgent help.
Charity founder Kim Cooling said: "This is an SOS to save our beautiful sanctuary and life-saving project from collapse. More than 2,000 lives are at imminent risk unless help comes quickly."
Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.
Kim founded Animal SOS Sri Lanka over a decade ago, after visiting the island and seeing the appalling state of animals on the streets.
She has since been awarded the prestigious IFAW Animal Action Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to animal welfare, and the Prime Minister's Points of Light award for her voluntary work in the UK.
Kim voluntarily runs two charity shops on the outskirts of London to help fund the life-saving work of the sanctuary.
But as a result of the effects of the pandemic, and the rising food prices in Sri Lanka, the charity shops' profits are simply not enough.
"I have dedicated the last 15 years of my life to this project as a volunteer, working flat out every day to keep this charity going," Kim said.
"These animals mean everything to me. Seeing them when they arrive and nursing them back from the brink of death can't be measured in words.
"They are so grateful for being given a second chance and we must continue to keep them safe."
Animal SOS Sri Lanka offers veterinary care, free neutering and anti-rabies vaccinations to sick and injured animals in Sri Lanka.
It also runs the largest feeding programme on the island, cooking one tonne of food a day to feed 3,000 dogs and cats.
Animals often turn up at the gates with stab wounds, mutilations, tumours and viruses - but they are never turned down care.
Even as the charity despairingly pleads for support, the team refuse to let new strays die and are currently still welcoming dogs on death row.
They continue to do everything they can, including teaching disabled dogs how to walk again with hydrotherapy in the Indian Ocean.
Other paralysed dogs are fixed with mobility carts to run around in.
"It's a beautiful sight to behold," Kim said.
"Every day animals arrive at the gates and the fight goes on to save lives with passion and commitment."
If you would like to help save this animal rescue charity from closure, you can donate via bank transfer or PayPal.
And keep up-to-date with Animal SOS Sri Lanka on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Do you have a dog story to share? Get in touch with us at yourmirror@trinitymirror.com.
