THE KILDARE ANIMAL Foundation has said it is struggling to remain open after running out of money.

Founder Geraldine O’Hanlon said the volunteer-run shelter has not been able to pay its bills for the past two weeks.

“We get so wrapped up in taking care of the animals that fundraising gets put on the back burner,” she told TheJournal.ie.

“But we desperately need money now to pay for food and veterinary costs.”

The centre – which is currently home to 49 dogs, 43 cats and 50 other animals – costs about €2,000 a week to run.

One of its biggest spends is on treatment for animals that have been mistreated, O’Hanlon said.

We take on difficult animals. A lot of them are at various stages of malnutrition when we get them. While another person might say, ‘This one’s a hopeless case’, our attitude would be to say, ‘Give us two weeks with them’.

‘We need help’

In a Facebook appeal, she wrote that the centre is the “last and best chance” for the animals it homes.

We need help. When I see the animals asleep in the sun, I am thankful they do not know how fragile our world is.

The shelter, which will celebrate its 21st anniversary at the end of the month, receives small state grants, but relies on public donations.

Meet some of the animals being cared for at the Kildare Animal Foundation.