Food, cat litter and energy: the animal shelter in Linz has been hit hard by price increases. “We have nowhere to save,” reveals Marlies Zachbauer, president of the Upper Austrian Animal Welfare Association, which manages animal shelters in Linz and Steyr.
At first, it’s just a few barks. But soon you can no longer see from which direction the sound is coming: the closer Marlies Zachbauer gets to the four-legged friends in the doghouse, the faster the sound level rises.
30 dogs are housed in the Linz animal shelter, 60 (often there are even more) cats – they are foundlings, segregated animals, and sometimes an allergy of the owner is the reason that the four-legged friend ends up here.
How is the company in Mostnystrasse dealing with the current wave of inflation? Zachbauer – president of the Upper Austrian Animal Welfare Association, which runs the animal shelters in Linz and Steyr – hiss audibly. Cat litter costs more, as does the food. “We also often need special feed because we have a lot of sick animals or some that develop intolerances,” says the 45-year-old.
“Can’t Save Anymore, Nowhere”
Added to this is the energy price spiral. The gas heating of the animal shelter in Linz was just renewed a year ago. “We can no longer save anywhere,” says Zachbauer, “we have never been able to take any big steps anyway, and our salary structure is not exciting either.” The dog infirmary will be rebuilt next year.
“It wouldn’t work without inheritance”
How is the company financed? “Especially through donations. We’re doing a flea market. Without inheritances, where people leave us money, it wouldn’t work.” Many volunteer helpers lend a hand – such as those who take on the task of walking the dogs.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
