Carrington-based animal rescue charity appeals for urgent donations to stay afloat

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A Manchester-based animal rescue is appealing for help after its veterinary bills have rocketed from £1,000 to £7,000 a month.

Established in September 2020 in response to Covid, Changing Lives at Carrington is now struggling to fund the costs associated with caring for the animals, with vet treatment its highest outgoing.

Nicole McGawley, founder, said: “As we get no government funding, we rely solely on the generosity of the general public to help us provide care. However, with the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, we’re struggling to stay afloat.

“Pancake, for example, a nine-week-old kitten, needs surgery as soon as possible for a collapsed ribcage which is pressing on her heart and lungs (congenital defamation of the sternum pectus excavatum). The condition will kill her if she doesn’t get it before turning 12-weeks-old. We’re in a race against time to get the funds.”

Changing Lives is currently looking after 56 cats (three of which are pregnant), 17 rabbits, six guinea pigs, five rats, five African land snails and five dogs – many of which have needed urgent vet treatment.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in surrenders over the last 12 months,” explains Nicole, “mainly due to people not being able to look after their pets following their return to the office, or the fact that they simply can’t afford to feed them anymore.

“With so many rescue centres full or unable to afford to take in more animals, we’re finding more are being dumped in bags or boxes on the street and left to fend for themselves. The lucky ones make their way to us and other sanctuaries but others aren’t so fortunate. It’s so upsetting to see.”

“We desperately need sponsorships and funds, as well as donations of food, cat litter, shavings and cleaning products. We know times are tough but anything people can give would be hugely appreciated.”

Donations to Changing Lives at Carrington can be made via Paypal https://www.paypal.me/changinglivesanimals, Amazon (here) or dropped in at its premises (Nursery Farm, Isherwood Road, Carrington, M31 4BH).