Somerset animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming charity, Ferne Animal Sanctuary, announces an urgent appeal for life-saving donations.

Amidst an unprecedented and severe financial downturn, Ferne Animal Sanctuary is urgently appealing for vital donations to continue carrying out its life-changing animal care and welfare work.

In a statement issued to Ferne Animal Sanctuary members on 3 May 2024, the charity which homes over 300 animals and employs over 170 staff and volunteers, highlights the impact of recent financial pressures caused by ongoing rising operational costs.

In the past two years, the charities' hard costs have skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, with vet and medical bills rising by over 46%, feed and bedding rising by over 30%, utilities and compulsory professional fees rising by over 50%, and the cost of labour increasing by circa 20%. In recent years, Ferne Animal Sanctuary has taken action to grow its income streams and reduce operational costs to offset the relentless rise in prices, however, the situation now sees the charity face an ultimate crisis. Without immediate support, funds could run out for the long-standing Somerset animal charity, within a few short months.

Kevan Hodges, Chief Executive Officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, expresses his distress about the situation, commenting, "In our 85-year history we have never faced such challenging times. We urge animal lovers across the UK and internationally that can afford to support us, no matter how big or small the donation, to do so. We urgently need your help. We are caring for over 300 vulnerable animals currently, who are at risk of losing their home. Due to such difficult pasts, many of our animal residents are not suitable for rehoming, which puts their lives at risk if we are unable to keep afloat as a charity. Please help if you can, no donation is too small. Thank you - from all of us here at Ferne Animal Sanctuary."

In a further plea to raise funds, the charities' urgent statement to its members goes on to appeal for a "benefactor with a big heart for animals, and a desire to own a beautiful patch of the Somerset countryside." The 72-acre sanctuary would consider the sale of a 20-acre plot of farmland along with a three-bedroom cottage in exchange for a nominal rent-back agreement, thereby allowing the charity to continue its use of the land, for its vital animal care activities.

The closure of Ferne Animal Sanctuary could leave over 50 employees vulnerable and over 300 animals' lives at risk. To offer support, please follow this link: www.justgiving.com/campaign/urgentappealforferne

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is one of the oldest animal charities in the UK. Founded by Lady Nina, Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon, The Ferne Estate located on the Wiltshire Dorset border started taking in animals in 1939 at the outbreak of World War 2. Ferne became a registered charity in 1965 and relocated from Wiltshire to form Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Somerset in 1975. Throughout the past eighty-five years, Ferne has rescued, rehabilitated, or rehomed circa 40,000 animals. There are always approximately 300 animals on the 72-acre sanctuary, and another 200-250 animals are successfully rehomed each year.

For more information about Ferne Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org