‘We don’t want to turn these animals away’: Alberta animal shelter seeks donations amid economic downturn

An Alberta animal shelter is looking for help from the public as it struggles to stay afloat in the midst of the current economic downturn.

A spokesperson with the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS), located in northeast Calgary, said the organization has already spent $785,000 in veterinary bills so far this year – and that number is expected to hit at least one million before the end of 2016.

AARCS executive director Deanna Thompson said basic medical costs such as spay/neuter surgeries and vaccines are often covered by adoption fees, but having to deal with major medical cases has put the organization in a tough position.

“The calls don’t seem to ever stop,” Thompson said in a Monday news release. “We are currently dealing with 144 animals in need of medical care.”

In total, the organization is currently caring for 500 animals – like Panzer, a four-month-old puppy found seriously injured in rural Alberta last month. The pup had “extensive damage” to both his front legs; AARCS suspected he had been attacked by a wild animal.

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Panzer underwent surgery to repair his broken legs and is now recovering in a foster home.

“As the cold weather approaches, the number of animals in need will continue to increase. We need to raise additional funds to get us through the winter months,” Thompson explained.

“We don’t want to turn these animals away, but at some point we are going to have to unless we can raise more funds to pay the mounting veterinary bills.”

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The organization is accepting donations on their website at AARCS.ca – and also selling tickets to a fundraising event on Nov. 19. Tickets are $40 each or two for $70 and available on shelter’s website.