Thornberry Sanctuary faces cash crisis

Chairman of trustees Andy Caban said that the sanctuary faced making staff redundant and may have to sell off some of its land to make ends meet.

With the level of donations falling by the year, Thornberry faced a major restructuring which would “inevitably” involve job losses, he said.

The sanctuary, which costs around £1,600 a day to run, currently looks after more than 30 dogs, ten cats and dozens of other animals and until last week had 53 kittens in its care.

But it has fallen victim to the increasing number of charities chasing donations and now faces a major funding crisis.

“Like the vast majority of charities who rely upon the generosity of the public to survive, Thornberry is going through some very difficult times,” Mr Caban said.

“We have many people who support us through their time or donations and we are always extremely grateful for this support.

“However, this does not cover the running costs, and we have a significant deficit every month.

“Without urgent and drastic action, Thornberry will run out of funds in the next three months or so.

“We know how many times the public are asked to support numerous good causes and appreciate that people cannot help them all, but Thornberry needs such help now and into the future.”

Fund-raising manager Sarah Froggatt said that the situation was “really serious,” adding: “Our income is decreasing and our overheads are increasing. The money to keep topping up the pot is just not there.”

Mr Caban said that several options were being considered to boost the sanctuary’s coffers, including the prospect of starting its own fund-raising lottery, but added that selling some of the charity’s land and letting staff go looked inevitable.

To volunteer your time or make a donation, contact Sarah Froggatt on 01909 564399.