The Ark is ‘praying it can outride the storm’ and survive beyond the Covid crisis

Ark Animal Rescue and Retirement Home owner, Sue Rice.

A spokesperson for the Ark said in a newsletter: “It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that The Ark is struggling financially under the pressures of Covid.

“This month’s re-homes have been great, but it is the boarding of animals that usually funds our rehoming side and this has seen a huge reduction as you can imagine.

“I pray that we can outride this storm as we have survived everything thrown into our paths over the last 35 years.

“We are doing all we can to reduce expenses, including reducing staff hours and taking on the furlough scheme.

“We are continuing our online auctions and our calendars will soon be on sale.”

The calendars cost £7 each and can be collected, or delivered for a small additional fee.

The spokesperson continued: “At the moment we only have minimal dogs here, and so we are asking that any food donations could be for the cats, horses, and rabbits.

“During the winter months our rescue horses return to the Ark stables and this, too, increases our financial burden as it means a huge increase in purchases of straw, hay, and hard food with feeding bills alone approximately £140 per week.

“We choose to support our local supplier, Churchills in North Somercotes.

“If you feel you could help by donating toward the horse feed, please call and pay directly on to our account there on 01507 358811.”

• Visit www.arkanimalrescue.co.uk for more details on how you can offer support.