Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2010 | Page 45

Island Life - October/November 2010

interview

ninth due to be opening shortly in Freshwater. The retail side
is now the primary source of the charity’s income.
Despite the recent support from Island residents the
problems are far from over. Mr Rivers added: “I have been
here 13 years, and we have had crises before, but nothing
compares to this one. It is purely down to lack of finance.
“The cost of everything has rocketed, from food to
insurance and vets’ fees. But the one thing that has hit us
hard is that we are no longer getting legacies of any size.
We used to get substantial legacies, but it has dropped off
dramatically. The legacies we have received this year amount
to around £50,000 which sounds a lot. But when you think
the Centre costs £1,600 a day to run, trying to make it up on
retail which we are trying to do, is extremely difficult.
“Another problem, of course is that when people are
short of money they find it difficult to maintain their pets.
Unfortunately people are coming to us with pets, but we
cannot take them in.
“It’s heart breaking to turn them away, and I find it
emotionally draining. Quite frankly the Island cannot do
without an RSPCA, and we will never close. But there may
come a time when we can no longer take in animals, and
would have to become purely a site where pet owners come
for advice. But it would not be fulfilling the function that is
needed on the Island.
“I hope it never comes to that, and that is why we are
extremely grateful for the support we have received recently,
but why we are continuing to appeal for all the financial help
we can get.”
The RSPCA Centre will be holding its Christmas Fair at
Holyrood House, Newport on December 11, starting at
11.0am, and looks forward to further support.

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