A SHAFTON pet rescue which has been supporting cats and dogs for the last seven years has been forced to close its doors after bills continued to spiral - but they’re hoping the community will support them to reopen.
Noah’s Art Pet Rescue is run by Samantha Archibald and has helped countless pets since its inception.
However, in recent years the bills have continued to spiral and after a recent unsuccessful fundraiser, Samantha says they were left with no option to close their doors.
She told the Chronicle: “For the last two years, things have become increasingly difficult, and our survival has been dependent on our vet bill appeals being successful.
“Our last appeal didn’t go well at all, stalling about halfway there.
“It left me with no choice but to decide that, after seven-and-a-half years, we would close our doors.
“If we can’t pay our outstanding bills, how can we take more cats in?”
Samantha told locals that she would be closing the rescue and more than £2,000 has been raised to help them - and she’s hoping that if the support continues they will be able to keep their work going.
She added: “Supporters have rallied to get us to our target.
“We can pay our bill.
“We can only hope this support continues, so we can create a safety net and reopen our doors, as my rescue has always been a dream fulfilled.
“There are more cats than ever needing help, with more issues that have spiralled out of control.
“We will never pick and choose the easy options - that’s not rescue.
“We will always do as much as we can to save a cat, so long as they have a good quality of life.
“No cat should be put to sleep because their owner has left them to suffer in agony, they have been thrown out because they are no longer convenient, or they’ve been born on the streets and had to fight for their lives.
“At such a critical time when there are more cats than ever needing rescuing, this is the worst possible time for another rescue to have to close, and we will always fight to keep our doors open.”
Coun Chris Wray, who represents the Dodworth ward, is an avid campaigner and volunteer in supporting stray cats in Barnsley.
The cat is the second most popular pet in the UK, although some owners have abandoned their pets due to the cost-of-living crisis or other circumstances, increasing the stray population in recent years.
Increased numbers have added pressure and strain on local charities and rescues to ‘previously unseen levels’.
He said: “The amazing work of Noah’s Ark is a literal lifeline.
“I will always support them, and I ask that if others and businesses can help, please do.
“It really can save a life.
“I also want to repeat something I’ve said over and over again, in the town hall, and elsewhere - please spay and neuter your cats, love them, and if you’re looking to add to your family - adopt, don’t buy.”
