Miramichi SPCA in trouble due to high turnover, low donations

The Miramichi SPCAisappealing to the public for financial help and other donations to care for the 58 cats and four dogs in the northern animal shelter.

"Thefinancial situation right now is pretty bad," said MirandaFrenette, thekennel assistant.

"We're struggling with vet bills as we fix every cat that comes into the building, every dog."

An upswing in adoption in recent months at first seemed positive, but has contributed to higher turnover of animals within the shelterand higher veterinarian costs.

The shelter and its employees can't keep up with demand, especially for cats.

"There's cats from everywhere. Strays, kittens, especially now that it's kitten season." said Frenette.

Closure 'definitely an option'

The shelter's operating budget is $120,000 a year, roughly $10,000 a month.

Current donations cover only the bare minimum of services, about a quarter of the shelter's regular operations.

Frenette said closing "is definitely an option if we don't get things back up and running."

Frenette also admits she worries about her job.

Jennifer Arseneault, the SPCA's manager, said sheis also distressed by the situation and possible closure of Miramichi's SPCA.

"We're looking at six months or so from here, if nothing changes," she said.

In addition to monetary donations, the SPCAis asking for donations of food, blankets, and cat litter.

"We're trying different fundraisers like businesses or individuals sponsoring spay and neuter drives," said Arseneault.

"We're cutting back on small areas, where we can."