A Tasmanian cat rescue organisation has launched an “urgent cry” for help fundraising appeal to clear mounting vet bills that threaten its ability to keep saving animals.
Just Cats Tasmania founder Rachel Beech has issued what she describes as an “SOS” to supporters, seeking to raise $25,000 to address the financial crisis.
“We’ve held off for as long as we can but the vet bills continue to mount and we need to launch an urgent fundraiser to get on top of them,” Beech said.
“I wish it wasn’t so, we try so hard each and every day but the truth is we must do something right now to get us back on some sort of level footing so we can continue to save more precious kittens and cats.”
The organisation, which recently opened a new adoption centre at the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania in Burnie, is under growing pressure from emergency cases that require expensive veterinary treatment.
Among the recent rescues pushing costs higher was a stray named Bullet, who needed a tail amputation and Jack, a surrendered cat requiring urgent dental surgery.
“Rescue is tough, rescue is unrelenting. The emergency cases are unplanned and suck all our available funds out leaving us stressed for the everyday vet bills when cats and kittens get surrendered to us,” Beech said.
The timing is particularly challenging with Easter approaching, though the rescue’s team will remain operational throughout the holiday period.
“Our team is under the pump. They will be standing by over the Easter break, ready to answer the emergency calls for help no matter the time of day or if they are celebrating with family or friends,” she said.
Just Cats typically limits major fundraising drives to twice a year, but Beech says this appeal is critical.
“We can’t bare to think about turning away any cat or kitten in their darkest hour but to be honest with the vet bills now over our head we are faced with having to urgently raise the funds,” she said.
“We need to raise $25,000 to clear our vet bills. It’s crucial and I’m calling on each and every one of you to chip in so we can get to our goal.”
At the time of writing, the appeal had already raised just over $16,000.
