An Edinburgh rescue centre could be forced to close its doors after its energy bills skyrocketed by 800 per cent - while facing a huge increase in the number of pets needing care. Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home (EDCH), which was established 140 years ago, warned electricity will cost them a staggering £31,160 in 2023, while gas is expected to set them back £63,735.
In November alone, the rehoming centre has received more than 80 applications from owners looking to give up their pets - amounting to an astounding 46 per cent rise. The charity was the first in the country to supply food banks with pet food and currently feeds 3,000 animals every month thanks to donations.
EDCH is now lobbying both Scottish and UK Government to provided much-needed aid and assistance for the animal charity sector. The organisation currently no financial support from national or local government and is funded solely by the generosity of donors, with a small amount of income made through training and animal first aid courses.
CEO Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine says the home could soon be "brought to its knees" by "horrendous" energy costs.
She said: "We have made substantial savings through our own in-house cost-cutting, but what we cannot do is reduce the level of care we afford our animals. They are and always will be our priority.
"It takes gas and electricity to keep them warm and fed - but these horrendous increases are unprecedented. While we appreciate they are hitting everyone, and will start to hit others in the animal charity before long.
"We cannot simply try and absorb them through donations. We need to see positive action now to ensure the future of the Home - and the well-being of the animals in our care.'
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is enlisting the support of other animal charities and welfare organisations to strengthen its campaign.
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