Some Manitoba animal protects say the rise in inflation driving up the cost of gas and food is also making it hard to care for vulnerable animals.
Sherri Anderson is president of The Barefoot Ranch Horse Rescue and Sanctuary, a non-profit organization north of Teulon, Man. providing surrendered horses, donkeys and mules with food, shelter plus care until they can be rehomed.
Anderson said the particular cost associated with feed continues to fluctuate uncontrollably, while hay prices are also unpredictable.
“Last year was really rough because the bales were $100 each. Now, the prices are the little bit lower. We’re looking at about $70 per round bale, ” she explained.
In its latest monthly consumer price index report, Statistics Canada said grocery prices rose at the fastest rate since 1981, with costs up 10. 8 per cent compared with a year ago.
Meantime, gasoline prices were up 22. 1 per cent within August compared with a year ago, but down 18. 8 % since June.
READ MORE: Canada’s inflation rate cools in August but grocery prices continue to climb
Anderson said each horse costs about $200 a month to care for, barring any medical complications, which the organization furthermore covers. The ranch is currently caring for 58 horses in total.
Anderson’s rising expenses are further exacerbated by an increase of surrenders coming to the ranch. She said many folks are having in order to downsize their herds because they can’t afford to take care of as many.
“We’ve taken in a lot more this year than any other year, ” she said.
Rehoming the particular horses has also become more and a lot more difficult, as folks along with space with regard to them are also more cash-strapped and therefore, less likely to adopt.
To offset their mounting costs, the ranch relies on fundraising and donations from the public. Anderson also works two jobs.
“I would say for every dollar associated with donation we get, I put into it $2 out of my own pocket, ” she stated.
If adoption doesn’t pick up, Anderson worries they’ll have to shut their own doors regarding intake.
The organization is aiming to be registered as a charity soon, so they can accept government grants and larger corporate sponsorships.
In the meantime, Anderson is hoping fundraising dollars will hold the business over.
“I just want in order to make sure that the particular horses are all safe and taken care of. Whatever that takes, I’m willing to do. ”
DONATIONS DOWN 40 TO 50 PER CENT
Lindsay Gillanders, the volunteer with Manitoba Underdog Rescue mentioned their corporation has a lot of supplies donated, so rising costs are not as high of a concern for their particular non-profit.
However , donations have dropped off drastically since pumpiing began to spike.
“Trying to deal with fuel being $1. 70, a litre plus corn costing a fortune, our donations are usually greatly down, which is understandable because people have to pay their bills before they can help charities and organizations like ours, ” Gillanders told CTV News Winnipeg.
The girl estimates contributions have decreased by forty to fifty per cent. As a result, the rescue offers had an intake freeze, meaning they could only take the most acute cases.
“We’re really trying to ensure that we’re maximizing our impact, and networking out dogs that are a little bit more or less difficult in order to other rescue partners and organizations, ” she said.