Merlin's Haven Dog Rescue, a sanctuary for over 75 dogs, 25 cats, 3 pigs, 6 horses, a donkey, and 4 goats in a village near Ayia Napa, Cyprus, is facing an imminent threat. After seven years of dedicated service, they were given a heart-wrenching six-month notice to vacate their current premises, leaving over 100 precious lives hanging in the balance.

Why does it matter?

If Merlin's Haven closes, these innocent beings face homelessness and the grim reality of being abandoned or euthanized. Over the years, this privately owned rescue has been a beacon of hope, rehoming more than 700 dogs that would have otherwise been left to suffer or meet an untimely end.

The Urgent Need

Merlin's Haven has embarked on an exciting yet crucial journey—they have acquired a plot of land nestled between the serene locales of Freneros and Vrysoules. This land holds the promise of a brighter future for countless animals, offering them the care, love, and shelter they deserve. But to turn this dream into reality, they need our support more than ever. Their goal is to raise the funds to construct state-of-the-art kennel blocks, a welcoming indoor area for dogs, and the foundational buildings necessary to ensure the health and happiness of our furry friends.

A Journey in Four Phases:

Secure Boundaries - £40,000: Erecting a wall around the perimeter for safety and security.

Home Sweet Home - £60,000: Building dog kennels alongside top-notch cleaning facilities to ensure a hygienic and comfortable environment.

Operational Backbone - £40,000: Establishing support buildings, including an office, laundry, storage, and a kitchen to streamline operations.

The Final Touches - £10,000: Beautifying the space with landscaping, concrete plinths, and proper drainage to create a welcoming and functional habitat.

The timeline is tight, with a vision to inaugurate this sanctuary by September. Completing this project within the next 6 months means they can provide a safe haven for the current residents and open their doors to many more animals in dire need.

What Makes Merlin's Haven Special?

Merlin's Haven stands out among rescues; it allows its dogs to roam free during the day, fostering a unique sense of community. They are committed to never euthanizing a healthy dog; even those with behavioural challenges receive dedicated attention and rehabilitation efforts. If finding a new home proves difficult, they ensure a lifelong sanctuary for them.

We have an open-door policy and anyone can visit us and see our work at anytime. The attached video captures the magic of Merlin's Haven, showcasing the love, care, and freedom these animals experience in their daily lives.

The Harsh Reality in Cyprus

Cyprus, renowned for its beauty and warmth, harbours a hidden crisis. Dogs and puppies face abandonment, isolation, and death on a daily basis. Skeletal hunting dogs, discarded like rubbish, arrive regularly. While there are animal welfare laws, enforcement is minimal. Municipally picked-up dogs have a mere 15 days to find rescue, or they face euthanasia.

Why Are There So Many Homeless Dogs?

Irresponsible pet ownership, lack of spaying and neutering, economic challenges, abandonment, and lax legal frameworks contribute to the alarming number of homeless dogs. Dogs suffer when owners fail to comprehend the long-term commitment or cannot afford the care. Uncontrolled breeding adds to the problem, and economic hardships force some owners to abandon their loyal companions.

How Can You Make a Difference?

Your donation, no matter how small, can be the lifeline for Merlin's Haven. Let's rally together and ensure these animals continue to experience the love and freedom they deserve.