A PRESTATYN animal association has been re-structured to save it from going out of business.

In June, the Journal reported that the Abandoned Animals Association, in Little Pydew, Ffordd Ffynnon, had only enough funds to last for three months. A fundraising drive was swiftly launched.

Now charity chair Debbie Gale says costs have been cut to keep the centre afloat.

Several staff are no longer with the association, including former manager Carol Roberts who left in the middle of August. She had been with the association for about nine years.

Debbie Gale, who has been chair of the charity since last December, but has only recently had a full board of trustees as well as a treasurer, said: “We set up a board of animal lovers to help try and save the rescue. We were aware from the amount in the bank that it was in a bad state of affairs.

“The time needed to save the rescue was taking over the lives of the trustees and it is a lot of pressure.

"There was so much to sort, that it wasn’t possible to see a light. All we knew to do was fundraise, so we focused on that, but the money was still getting lower, just at a slower pace.

“On having the 17/18 accounts in July, it was apparent that we were still overspending.

"We, as a board, had not purchase anything. It was staffing costs that were so high, in fact more than £2,000 a week.”

In the last three weeks, three new trustees - who have backgrounds in finance, budgeting and computers - have been introduced. Changes have also been made to spending.

“We have a new logo and a new website on the way. The new treasurer is going through all the finances with a very fine tooth comb,” Ms Gale said.

“One staff member has taken voluntary redundancy and staff hours have been reduced to save money.

“The staff are fantastic, and the care of the animals is amazing. Throughout all the problems with the charity, the one thing that remains consistent and that is the staff’s dedication to the animals in their care.”

Ms Gale said the next six-months are critical.

“We hope that with some grants and continued savings, that we can save the rescue," Ms Gale said.

"We are all animal lovers and want to give the dogs and cats in the care of the charity the very best chance.

“The new trustees have been thrown in at the deep end, taking on a charity already struggling, but we are dedicated to saving it and will continue to fight.

“Harrison, a terrified dog upon entering the rescue five years ago, has recently been rehomed. Only after continued support, rehabilitation and dedication of the staff he has become a loving trusting dog capable of being rehomed.

“It is why this rescue needs to be rescued as I know of no other that would spend such time and care to gain Harrison his forever home.”

Anyone seeking to volunteer or fundraise for the charity can contact email debs@abandonedanimals.org.uk or telephone the shelter on 01745 857975.

Donations can also be made via the shelter’s Facebook page and bank details are available by calling the charity.