AN animal rescue shelter has closed after struggling to stay afloat.
Smokie’s Haven, originally set up in early 2017, was run by a small team of dedicated volunteers working to rescue and re-home small animals including ducks, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, rats and mice.
It closed on Monday (September 30).
Based in Coventry, its services were offered across the wider West Midlands region, including the city, Solihull and Warwickshire.
In a statement released on the group’s Facebook page, managing director Ciaran O’Meary, who lives in Kenilworth, said: “This has been a decision which has taken a lot of time and thought to come to. We have been struggling to stay afloat financially and our management team has been working hard to avoid us sinking into this outcome.
“… Our staff have worked tirelessly to make a difference to as many animals that present themselves to us since 2017. We have proudly built a team of highly dedicated individuals who have given so much to our cause. We will forever be grateful for the amazing work they have completed with us.
“To those who have supported our organisation, thank you. This is the harsh reality of the industry we are in. We did not have enough cash flow into the organisation and most of our running costs have been covered by myself.
“… I hope to see changes in animal rescue, I want to see changes in animal rescue, I want to see more acceptance and support shown to smaller or new organisations. Everyone is here for the same objective. There is every reason to be working together and not creating division.
“To those organisations and individuals who have worked closely with us, I personally want to extend my thanks and how we would not be able to reach as far as we did without you. Keep going strong.
“This has been a journey I am grateful I took.”
In response to the news there has been a big outpouring of support on social media for the “hard work, dedication and care” of staff at Smokie’s Haven with many people asking what will happen to the creatures currently in their care.
