After enduring an unprecedented and traumatic night that left her grappling with severe PTSD, Kate took a bold step and established an animal sanctuary, allowing her to channel her pain into a cause dedicated to helping those in need.
Today, she is fighting tirelessly to save approximately 150 rescue dogs, cats, and farm animals housed on her sprawling property in Burbank, Queensland. However, the sanctuary is facing an existential threat due to mounting debts exacerbated by the ongoing cost of living crisis, which could leave these vulnerable animals without a home.
Deathrow Unchained (DRU) Animal Rescue operates under Kate’s leadership alongside nearly 200 dedicated volunteers, providing a haven for “neglected, abused and abandoned” animals, all while giving them a second chance at a fulfilling life.
This dedicated rescue has transformed the lives of around 5,000 animals, but recent news of a $27,569 arrears bill due by the end of November has left Kate and her team distressed and anxious, as the funds to pay it simply aren’t there.
To sustain the sanctuary, they incur approximately $250,000 annually in veterinary care alone, translating to $10,000 to $12,000 in weekly operational costs. This financial burden was typically offset by the generosity of sponsors and regular donations from the community, but as the cost of living has skyrocketed, support has dwindled to a trickle.
Over the past year, Kate has faced the heartbreaking reality of receiving daily emails from loyal supporters who can no longer afford to contribute. “The majority of people that help us are everyday people, and they’re struggling to put food on the table and losing their homes,” she laments, noting that organizations like hers are often the first to face cuts when financial hardships strike.
As donations dwindled, debts began to accumulate rapidly. Despite Kate and numerous DRU volunteers making personal sacrifices to alleviate the strain, the organization continued to flounder under the financial weight.
“We’re all pouring in whatever we’ve got,” Kate explains, detailing how team leaders have even resorted to covering vet bills out of their own pockets, while volunteers step in to pay for essential medications. “But we’re all burning at both ends, and I feel terrible. The amount of pressure that’s been on us in the last six months has been devastating,” she reveals.
The situation hit a critical point when the arrears notice arrived, a stark reminder of the fragility of the organization she has devoted the last decade of her life to, saving the lives of countless animals. “I can’t bear the thought of losing the rescue,” Kate shared in agony.
To combat the impending crisis, Kate initiated an online fundraiser with a modest goal of raising $10,000, but to her surprise, the community rallied, and in just six days, they raised over $14,000.
“I can’t even put into words what it means to us,” Kate expressed with overwhelming gratitude, acknowledging the incredible outpouring of support. She has since adjusted the fundraising goal to $19,000, with hopes to completely pay off DRU’s debt within the next week.
Once the pressing bill of $27,569 is settled, the rescue will shift its efforts toward their newly established NDIS Compassion Connect program aimed at securing a reliable long-term funding stream for the organization.
This program will provide much-needed animal care for individuals living with disabilities, enhancing their community participation, helping them gain valuable skills, and fostering meaningful friendships. “We’re so close to actually having a program that’s giving the rescue a regular income,” Kate remarked hopefully, believing this could secure DRU’s future.
What challenges is Kate currently facing in running the sanctuary amid economic difficulties?
**Interview with Kate: Founder of Deathrow Unchained Animal Rescue**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Kate. You’ve created something truly inspiring with the Deathrow Unchained Animal Rescue. Can you share what motivated you to start this sanctuary?
**Kate:** Thank you for having me. After a traumatic experience that left me with severe PTSD, I felt a deep need to channel my pain into something positive. Establishing this sanctuary allowed me to do just that—giving a voice to animals who have suffered abuse and neglect. It’s become my purpose to help those in need.
**Editor:** That’s incredibly commendable. Given the current economic climate, it seems like your work is more important than ever. Can you tell us about the challenges you’re facing right now?
**Kate:** Absolutely. We’re currently caring for about 150 rescue animals, which comes with significant costs. We need approximately $250,000 a year just for veterinary care, which breaks down to around $10,000 to $12,000 weekly. However, with the ongoing cost of living crisis, donations have decreased sharply, and we’re struggling to meet our financial obligations. We recently received an alarming arrears bill of $27,569 due by the end of November, and we simply don’t have the funds.
**Editor:** That sounds incredibly tough. How has the financial strain impacted the daily operations of the sanctuary?
**Kate:** It’s been heart-wrenching. We’ve seen daily emails from supporters who can no longer contribute, and many of our donors are everyday people who are facing their own struggles. The reality is that organizations like ours are often among the first to feel the cuts during tough economic times. We’ve had to make personal sacrifices, and I know many of my volunteers are doing the same, but despite these efforts, debts keep piling up.
**Editor:** What do you envision for the future of the sanctuary if the financial support does not improve?
**Kate:** Right now, I’m filled with concern. If the current financial crisis continues, we may have to make the heartbreaking decision to downsize or even close the sanctuary, which would mean these animals could lose their homes. I pray that we can find a way to pull through this together, whether it’s through fundraising or increasing community involvement. My hope is to keep providing these animals with the second chance they deserve.
**Editor:** It’s a dire situation, but your dedication is evident. What can people do to help?
**Kate:** We desperately need community support—whether it’s volunteering, fostering animals, or donating if you’re able. Every little bit helps, and we deeply appreciate any contributions. People can also spread the word about our sanctuary and our mission, as raising awareness is crucial for finding new supporters.
**Editor:** Thank you, Kate, for sharing your story with us. You’ve built something remarkable, and hopefully, with the community’s help, you can continue this vital work for the animals who rely on you.
**Kate:** Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share our story. Together, we can make a difference for those who can’t speak for themselves.
