‘We need your help’: Shelter calls for donations to keep afloat

Adorable puppies – like these ones – could be in strife if Second Chance Animal Rescue is forced to close their shelter forever due to the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can do to help keep the shelter afloat.

Second Chance Animal Rescue in Craigieburn might never hit their six-month anniversary. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Craigieburn’s Second Chance Animal Rescue could be forced to close forever due to the devastating effects of COVID-19.

The shelter, which opened in September last year, might never hit its six month anniversary due to a significant drop in adoptions combined with staff returning from overseas travel who must now self-isolate.

Second Chance Animal Rescue Founder Marisa Debattista is calling for your help to save her shelter. Picture: Supplied

Shelter founder Marisa Debattista said the mandatory self-isolation period would mean the shelter was down to a skeleton crew.

“This may mean we have to close the shelter temporarily and if things don’t improve possibly forever,” she said.

The new Craigieburn facility features a community animal hospital and a cattery, with proceeds going to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals due to be euthanised at pounds across the state.

Puppies, like this one, will have nowhere to go if the shelter is forced to close. Picture: Supplied

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Ms Debattista said the shelter was also suffering because less people were willing to foster furry friends and donate to the shelter.

“We rely heavily on donations to fund our charity and without this support we could not do the work we do for at risk animals in our community and the people that care for them,” she said.

“We are struggling financially to look after our animals and keep second chance afloat.”

Founder Marisa Debattista with Husky cross Bull Arab puppies before they relocated to the Craigieburn facility, which is now in danger. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The founder said she urged people to help the shelter continue doing the incredible work they do by making a donation.

“(Pets) don’t know there’s an epidemic out there and they still need as much love and support as they did last month, last week and yesterday,” Ms Debattista said.

The animal shelter will be introducing vet Skype sessions to those who are self-isolating in a bid to keep the shelter from going under.

To make a donation to the shelter, head to their website.

@EmilieBaxter_