Bristol Animal Rescue Centre has launched a Christmas appeal to highlight the impact the cost of living crisis is having on pets. As ARC receives no external funding, the appeal raises funds to help it continue to offer free and affordable access to vet care for those on low incomes, as well as caring for pets given up by their owners.
ARC, which rehomes and cares for over 14,000 vulnerable animals in the Bristol area each year, says that this year it has seen demand for its outreach services grow by 54 per cent compared to last year. While at the same time, its own overheads have soared with rising inflation. The charity’s energy bill alone is set to rise by £17,000.
The charity is reliant upon the more than 120 volunteers who regularly help out at the centre with animal care, cleaning kennels and helping with events, as well as contributions from the public and local businesses. Recently city-based housebuilder Bellway South West donated £500 to ARC, which will be used to sponsor a cat cabin for a year, to provide much-needed accommodation for cats who are cared for at the charity’s rehoming centre and clinic in Albert Road.
