A sanctuary in Devon, England, is facing potential closure due to mounting financial pressures exacerbated by hot weather. The facility, which began in 2021 with the rescue of a pig named Mustard, has since expanded its residents to include sheep, chickens, turkeys, cats, alpacas, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
Volunteer Catherine Christie-Mutch stated that while the sanctuary has supportive donors, the demands on them are reaching a limit. She described the current year as particularly difficult, marked by significant animal loss and high veterinary expenses. "Every time it starts to look a bit brighter, something else happens, no time for the sanctuary to get back on its feet," Christie-Mutch said.
Charity founder Hayley Prescott expressed her concern about finding new homes for all the animals should the sanctuary be forced to close, calling the prospect "terrifying." The organization's financial struggles are attributed to "astronomical" bills directly linked to managing the impact of hot weather conditions on the animals and their environment.
The ongoing financial strain has left the sanctuary with little opportunity to recover from previous challenges. The increasing cost of care, especially during periods of extreme heat, presents a significant obstacle to its continued operation.