Community & Business
19 October, 2023
Refuge in dire straits
LEFT stranded and crying for help, the Mareeba Animal Refuge is seconds away from closing their doors after being hit with monstrous bills they are struggling to pay.
The Refuge, which is independently owned and not run by Mareeba Shire Council, has been hit with a wave of impoundments, with many of their new residents needing urgent vet care.
In August alone, Mareeba Animal Refuge had more than $15,000 in vet bills on top of their insurance and other running costs.
The rising cost of power, vet fees and wages has also meant the Refuge is spending more – money they would rather spend helping animals.
Staff member Felicity Pollard said the last time they got to this stage, they had to lay off staff and put every last penny towards the animals.
She said if the Refuge closes, that will put a significant strain on all the other refuges across the Tablelands, which are also struggling.
“We will have to close our doors if we don’t get some serious funding now,” she said.
“At the moment we have over 30 cats and 20 to 30 dogs, and all the other rescues have a lot of animals already that are suffering.”
“There have been times before when we have been scared we may have to close, and the fact that this is happening so soon is just so heartbreaking.
“This likelihood (of shutting the Refuge down) is shattering the hearts of the refuge team and we appeal to those who may be in a position of lending us a helping hand to give us some breathing space until we can get ourselves back on track again.
“Please be assured that we will still be in operation for the Christmas break and will honour our boarding bookings for this time.
“In fact, we encourage anyone wishing to board their dogs or cats over this time to apply as this will help to boost our funds.”
