$70k needed to save Deathrow Unchained Animal Rescue from collapse

A Brisbane animal sanctuary on the brink of collapse is calling for urgent help to pull it out of debt and save the rescue animals housed there.

A Brisbane animal sanctuary on the brink of collapse is calling out for generous donors to help pull the shelter out of debt and save the thousands of rescue animals housed there.

The Deathrow Unchained (DRU) Animal Rescue group in Burbank racked up extensive debts during Covid and unable to pay rent, food, water and veterinary bills, is on the verge of closing down.

An emergency fundraiser will be held this weekend, which aims to raise $70,000 to save the shelter - and the 5000 animals relying on it.

Kate Elena with rescue chihuahua Pablo and Aurora the cow at Deathrow Unchained. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Kate Elena, director and founder of the DRU non-for-profit organisation said it would be an absolute last-ditch effort to save the animal sanctuary.

“Covid-19 and the consequent lock downs stopped our sanctuary tours which is our main source of income,” she said.

“Our landlord and suppliers supported us by pausing our fees. We would not have survived until now without their help, but like any business, they no longer can accept our inability to raise funds.

“We simply cannot recover without major help from our supporters and the general public.”

Tickets to the Save Our Sanctuary fundraising event are available online via the DRU Animal Shelter website, with all funds put towards paying off the shelter’s debt.