Animal Rescue Cyprus, one of the largest shelters in Cyprus located in Paphos, is sending out an alarm signal and hosts more than 1000 animals: dogs, cats, horses, donkeys and even goats. The shelter is facing a serious shortage of volunteers, as it currently has only eleven, a number that cannot meet the daily needs of animal care.
Animal Rescue Cyprus operates as a private and independent charitable organization, without state funding, and is facing one of the most difficult economic periods in recent years, with the percentage of volunteers being 70% less compared to previous years. The lack of staff affects, among other things, the exercise and socialization of the animals, as the staff is asked to prioritize the feeding, cleaning and veterinary care of the animals.
1350 animals and only 11 volunteers
The shelter's fundraiser, Sumani Ochse, told "F" that there are 1.350 animals in the area, including dogs, cats, donkeys, horses, goats, rabbits and other rescued animals. "At the moment we have six permanent volunteers and about five temporary ones. Unfortunately, this is nowhere near enough for the number of animals we care for, at a time when new requests for rescues arrive every day." He added that the shelter urgently needs as many volunteers as possible, mainly during the morning shift, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and the afternoon shift, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., although any help is useful at any time.
Asked about the tasks that volunteers need to perform, she pointed out that daily tasks include walking dogs, cleaning cages and areas, washing food and water containers, feeding animals, grooming them, cleaning play areas, removing waste, washing clothes and fabrics, basic maintenance work, socializing animals, raising money and helping with events.
Experience is not necessary, but it is preferable, especially when it comes to older or fearful dogs. Due to limited staffing and workload, the shelter does not have the resources for extensive individual training, although instructions are always provided where possible.
Volunteers reduced by 70%
Ms. Sumani described the situation in the shelter as extremely serious, as the reduction in volunteers compared to previous years amounts to 70%. This is mainly due to the decrease in long-term volunteers, fewer so-called "workaway" programs, economic pressures and lower tourist traffic, which traditionally brought many volunteers to Cyprus.
The impact is significant, as animals receive less exercise, occupation, and attention than they deserve. "Staff must prioritize feeding, cleaning and medical care, leaving little time for socialization and training," explains Ms. S. S. Sumani, stressing that long-term stay in cages, without adequate interaction, can negatively affect both the physical and emotional well-being of animals.
Where the greatest needs are located
The shelter, according to Ms. Sumani, is facing one of the toughest economic times in recent years, as donations have fallen significantly, while the number of animals in need of care continues to rise. The largest expenses of the shelter concern hay and animal feed, veterinary care, medicines, vaccinations, cleaning products, utility bills, fuel and daily operating costs.
"Although we never stop dealing with emergencies or feeding our animals, we are constantly obliged to prioritize expenses and make the most of every donation," he says. At the moment, the shelter is in greater need of monetary donations, "because they allow us to respond immediately where and where help is most needed."
There is also a need for dog and cat food, hay, animal feed, cleaning products, bleach, laundry detergent, garbage bags, towels, blankets, bedding, puppy mattresses, cat litter, toys, treats and veterinary supplies.
How you can help
Animal Rescue Cyprus is a private, independent registered charity which does not receive any government funding and relies solely on contributions from the public and sponsorships from individuals and businesses. Those who wish to volunteer or donate can contact the refuge directly at 26 946461, through its website - https://animalrescuecyprus.com/ or through its Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/paphiakos and Instagram pages. For volunteer help with the dog walk, those interested can contact Charlotte by phone or via WhatsApp, at 99756877. For all other forms of volunteering, questions and donations, they can contact Sumani at 94539001.
