A 40-year-old Somerset animal sanctuary says it is facing its toughest time yet.
Since its inception in 1984, more than 10,000 abandoned and rescued animals have been helped by Happy Landing.
But more pets than ever are being brought in by desperate owners struggling to make ends meet.
The conservancy relies solely on donations from the public, so it has launched a 40th anniversary fundraiser to support its work.
Happy Landings founder Annabelle Walter first rescued the injured goose Pimple in 1984.
She said she was proud of everyone who gave their time and money over the past 40 years.
“We wouldn't have lasted 40 years if we didn't have people who felt the same way I do,” she said.
“The biggest hurdle is that small charities don’t always have the financial security they need to feel safe, and Happy Landings is really struggling.
“We are forever grateful to everyone who has donated, volunteered and worked here, because they are the ones who have allowed us to continue to do our work.”
The sanctuary in Piru, Shepton Mallet, costs £253,000 a year to run and said it was urgently looking for volunteer fundraisers and homes for more pets.
Nina Harris, the sanctuary's animal welfare manager, said the “ripple effect” of the cost of living crisis was having a major impact on the number of dogs, cats and rabbits arriving.
“Many families are having to make the heartbreaking decision to rehome their pets.
“From rising food and veterinary costs to housing and job instability, more pet owners are rehoming their pets because they can no longer afford to keep them,” she says.
“We recently adopted a dog with severe skin disease and cherry eye (prolapsed third eyelid gland) in both eyes.
“With medical bills skyrocketing, and with three young children and barely enough money to pay his utility bills, his owners had to make the difficult decision to part ways with him.
“While this is often a last resort, it can be particularly devastating for older pets or pets with special needs, as finding a new home becomes more difficult.”
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