Bordeaux SPA has a deficit of €450,000. A first for the animal protection association Gironde, which sounds the alarm. Amid rising costs and rising adoptions, the center is calling for generosity.
In their box, they bark and run in circles from the first steps of future adopters. In the Bordeaux SPA shelter, 250 dogs and 100 cats await their future owners. These animals, abandoned by individuals or seized by the pound, are increasing every month.
However, the last home of these animals is on the verge of collapse. This year, the structure, independent of the national SPA, has a deficit of €450,000. The reason is costs that have exploded. “We have a big increase in energy, food has taken 30% and there are also vet costs,” explains Caroline Pham, Secretary General of Bordeaux SPA. Costs which are added to the staff, which are also increasing. Here, 25 people are employed throughout the year to run the structure.
Right on arrival, a dog costs the structure €550 because it is treated, identified and vaccinated.
Amanda PiroisPresident of Bordeaux SPA
Each year, the structure must operate with 1.6 million euros. If the deficit increases, it willis due to a scissor effect: to the increase in costs comes a decrease in turnover. “The money we receive only comes from donations, inheritance or life insurance. We have no subsidies”states Caroline Pham.
Without economic recovery, Bordeaux SPA is worried about its future. “What do we do with our dogs?” asks the general secretary of the structure. Because this year the shelter will “draw on your reserves”.
To try to absorb the demand, Bordeaux SPA is now installing two dogs per box. Abandonments, widespread throughout the year, accumulate. Adoptions are at half-mast. “They are runaway, hyperactive dogs. Malinois or staff that often don’t match the profile that adopters are looking for”, recognizes Caroline Pham.
We took in 158 dogs this year. If we were to accept all requests, we would have received 500!
Caroline PhamSecretary General of SPA in Bordeaux
More “complicated” cases, usually generated by lack of training or expectation from their previous owners. “They are not sufficiently prepared to train an animal. There is also a fashion effect on certain dog breeds, but as soon as they present a behavior problem, they are abandoned.”regrets Amanda Pirois, the president of SPA in Gironde.
The only bright spot in this dark picture is that the adoption of cats and kittens remains steady. If the concern has now seized the structure, their situation corresponds to the whole of France.
