Todmorden animal charity PAWS fighting closure

As a result of the Covid19 outbreak, the Pennine Animal Welfare Society say they are only "a couple months away from having to close down altogether."
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The shelter, which looks after unwanted cats, dogs and small animals, has lost several sources of income due to cancelled summer events and the impact social distancing has had on community based fundraising. The charity have estimated that they will lose over £7,600 in projected income due to the coronavirus outbreak.

However, PAWS need to find nearly £2,000 every month in order to cover their basic running costs. Furthermore, it costs approximately £250 to rehabilitate and rehome every dog in their care.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Trustee Donna Funell said:“We’ve always operated on a shoe string budget, but we’ve always found a way to make it work. However, since the coronavirus outbreak, this is proving to be nigh impossible.

PAWS volunteers pre-lockdown.PAWS volunteers pre-lockdown.
PAWS volunteers pre-lockdown.

“If PAWS were to close it would be an absolute tragedy. Although we’re a small charity, we make a big difference to these animals lives.”

During lockdown, the shelter found temporary homes for all of the animals in their care by conducting home video tours and interviews. Several of the temporary carers have since expressed an interest in permanently adopting the animals and residents have come forward to donate supplies.

“We’ve had a lot of people offering to donate food and bedding for the animals, which we are really appreciative of, but at the moment we haven’t got any animals in the shelter.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“What we need help with is cash flow so we can cover the cost of our rent and insurance. We want to be able to continue to look after vulnerable, unwanted animals in the future and find them the best possible homes.”

To donate to PAWS, visit: click here.You can also donate by texting Paws31 (followed by the pound sign and the amount you wish to donate) to 70070.

Related topics: