Bronx's only no-kill animal shelter in danger of closing due to lack of funding

CASTLE HILL, Bronx (WABC) -- The only no-kill animal shelter in the Bronx is in danger of closing its doors because of mounting bills.

"Desperate need of money and someone to help us. We don't want to end of closing our shelter because so many animals we save every single day here," said Pedro Rosario, the shelter's owner.

Rosario started the "New Beginning Animal Rescue" in 2011, vowing to never euthanize an animal.

He's horrified at the thought of closing in October if they can't stay afloat.

He knows to well what will likely happen.

"I used to run Animal Control for 16 years. After 16 years, so many euthanasias, I just got tired; I was one of the people responsible for making space. It gets to you," Rosario said.

The problems are high medical bills, rising utility costs and lack of funding.

Right now there are 40 dogs and 25 cats up for adoption.

The non-profit does not get city funding and relies on private donations.

"The $10,000 includes the food cleaning, the water, the electricity, $10,000 every month we have to pay if the month doesn't come in then that's it," said Danielle Benbrahim, a shelter volunteer.

And that $10,000 does not include emergency medical procedures; each can easily be $2,000-3,000.

So far, staff has raised $20,000. Their goal is $50,000.

They're also applying for grants and Rosario has taken a side job to help make ends meet, hoping to save this shelter.