Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home faces a staggering rise in gas and electricity bills which could bring the 140-year-old animal refuge ‘to its knees.’
The charity says will the predicted energy costs that are expected to soar, they are bracing themselves for an 800 percent rise with electricity supplies forecasted to hit £31,160 and gas to top £63,735 for the animal shelter.
They are urging the Scottish and UK Government to intervene as Dog and Cat Home say the charity sector has been 'forgotten about' and with the demand and costs so high, and supplies so low, they have had no relief or support. It could end in a 'major disaster'.
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The Home provides a loving shelter for hundreds of dogs and cats annually, but over the past 12- months has seen an unprecedented rise in pets requiring a home – due in part to owners surrendering their pets due to the drastic rise in the cost of living.
This month alone more than 80 owners have applied to give up their family pets, a staggering 46 per cent rise in just one month. This comes as the charity also provides pet food to food banks across Scotland, stretching outside of Edinburgh, right through to Falkirk and North Berwick in the borders.
Along with that, the Home now feeds 3,000 animals monthly via donations – the aim being to ensure families can keep their pets in a warm and caring home environment.
Facing a worsening situation this Winter, the Home has now begun lobbying both Scottish and UK Governments seeking aid and assistance for the animal charity sector.
Currently Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home receives no funding or any financial benefits from national or local government and relies purely on the generosity of donors, while developing small income streams such as training and animal first aid.
CEO Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, says the rise in energy costs alone ‘could be enough to bring the Home to its knees this Winter.’
"We have made substantial savings through our own in-house cost-cutting, but what we cannot do is reduce the level of care we afford our animals. They are and always will be our priority.
"It takes gas and electricity to keep them warm and fed – but these horrendous increases are unprecedented, and while we appreciate, they are hitting everyone and will start to hit others’ in the animal charity before long, we cannot simply try and absorb them through donations.
"We need to see positive action now to ensure the future of the Home – and the well-being of the animals in our care."
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is enlisting the support of other animal charities and welfare organisations in a bid to bring about change.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The third sector is a valued partner and we recognise the impact of rising fuel costs on our charities and voluntary organisations.
“Pricing in the gas and electricity markets is reserved, meaning the Scottish Government’s options to mitigate these costs are limited. However, we will continue to work with partners to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs. This includes providing free and impartial energy advice to small charities through Business Energy Scotland.
“The First Minister has convened two energy summits since August this year and the third sector was represented at both. We continue to call upon the UK Government to take targeted action to help those who need it the most, and provide urgent clarity on the protections available to the third sector to manage their bills.”
A UK government spokesperson said: "Just as households and communities face rising prices, charities are also contending with price increases.
"This is why we have taken immediate action to support charities through the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. It will mean they pay wholesale energy costs well below half of expected prices for this winter."
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