A rescue centre which helps thousands of animals a year says it fears for its future if it is unable to raise funds.
And Llys Nini also fears a sudden influx of pets when lockdown is finally lifted, with people dumping animals they have adopted during the coronavirus restrictions.
The site in Penllegaer takes in up to 2000 dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and birds every year, which have been abused, abandoned, fallen sick or are not wanted.
Although it works with the RSPCA, it is a separate charity, and raises a large proportion of its funding through its 12 charity shops across South Wales, as well as through fundraising events.
But with non-essential shops remaining closed after more than 10 weeks, Llys Nini’s financial situation is looking increasingly precarious; without finding new sources of income it fears it could close within a year.
Llys Nini chairman of trustees Sally Hyman said: “We are really worried about our future.
“Our 12 shops generate most of our income, but with them closed, going forward we are concerned about if we will be sustainable.
“We also hold fundraising events; our biggest of the year is the Dog of the Year event in July, but we are not going to be able to stage that.
“I would say we are not going to fall before August, but we are now delving into our reserves, but we do not know how much longer that can last.
“With a following wind and everything pointing in the right direction, we’re looking at about 11 months, but with nothing coming in it could be six months or less.
“When people go back to work we are also expecting them to start dumping the pups they got during lockdown.
“We’ve also got a legal requirement that we have to replace our sewage system”.
Llys Nini was looking after around 100 animals when lockdown began, but has been able to start re-homing animals in recent weeks, leaving it with currently around 60 animals.
But centre manager Gary Weeks added: “The longer things goes on the more it gives us something to be concerned about.
“Our shops generate between £20,000 and £30,000 a month which we need to run the site.
“Even if the shops do open, there is the question of whether people will go to them.
“If this goes on too long, then there really is cause for concern”.
The centre is currently closed to the public, and is still having animals referred to them by the RSPCA, but only the most urgent cases.
To help plug the financial shortfall, the centre has launched a sponsorship appeal, where people can contribute for as little as a pound a week.
Debbie Davies Llys Nini’s community team manager said: “All the animals in our care need feeding, medicines and vet treatments. We are very worried about how we are going to cope.
“We have some wonderful supporters and are having to turn to them for help.
“We know this is a hard time for everybody but please, please can you help us help these animals.
“Alternatively perhaps families would like to do a “Lock Down Fun Fundraiser” for the animals, and film it and post it on Llys Nini’s Facebook page.”
People can donate via the button on Llys Nini’s web site or their Facebook page.
