Peninsula Animal Aid needs long-term backing

Published 7:00am 6 August 2024

Supporters have answered Peninsula Animal Aid’s plea for help, but the organisation needs to raise more funds to keep its doors open long term.

On June 1, the Clontarf-based animal shelter said it needed to raise $150,000 to cover a budget shortfall caused by rising costs and a drop in donations as a result of broader tough economic times and the housing crisis.

President Anne Denton says generous donors and fundraising events have generated about $50,000, which will ease the strain for now, but a long-term solution is needed to ensure the organisation remains viable.

“We are so grateful to all those who contributed and supported us. Ideally the continuity of donations is very important,” she says.

“This (financial pressure) has been building for some time, most likely commencing with COVID. The closure of the shelter under COVID restrictions initially played a part,” she explains.

“The inability to conduct business, and the rapid decline in donations, while expenses for the care of the animals, operational expenses and vet costs continued and led to a large loss at that time.

“Over the past two to three years, funding has continued to decline, and expenses have increased due to the economic and housing crises. The losses incurred cannot be sustained indefinitely.

“Vet bills, which are kindly discounted by our vets, are approximately $100,000 per year. Other animal costs such as vaccines, flea, worm and heartworm treatments, plus food and cat litter etc add up to approximately $90,000 per year. Of course, there are many, many more expenses.”

Peninsula Animal Aid’s (PAA) base is on council leased land.

“Some of the buildings on this site were previously owned by the council. The newer buildings were built a number of years ago, through bequests and donations specifically donated for that purpose. As with most leased land, Moreton Bay City Council attends to mowing, and pays for the water usage,” Anne explains.

The not-for-profit organisation does not receive funding from council, or the State and Federal Governments, and relies on community and corporate donations to operate.

“PAA plays a pivotal role in the broader community, not only by providing care and refuge for animals but also by making substantial contributions to the wellbeing of communities,” Anne says.

“While the primary mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals, PAA’s impact extends far beyond our furry occupants, creating a positive ripple effect that touches both human and animal lives. PAA is extremely proud of the essential and affordable services it has provided for 53 years.

“PAA relies entirely on the support of the generous people in our community - they are our lifeblood. PAA receives no formal or government funding, and is an independent association, not aligned with any other organisation.

“As we are run entirely by unpaid volunteers, no funds will go to wages. All funds received go to the care and rehoming of the animals.”