Jackson Free Press

ARF, the Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi, is making a desperate plea for donations, reports WAPT.

"Right now, donations are at a critical level, and we are begging," Elizabeth Jackson, of ARF, told the station, adding that the shelter needs to raise $20,000 immediately, about two-thirds of its monthly operating costs. "We are not going to shut down. That is not an option."

Jackson went on to say that the shelter can last about two weeks at this point.

ARF is one of the largest animal shelters in the metro area. Jackson said funding for the nonprofit no-kill shelter has dried up and now ARF is making a public plea for help.

Donations to ARF have been down about 30 percent, mainly because of the economy. ... The bills for the shelter are stacking up and a number of vendors have gone unpaid for weeks, Jackson said.

Without the shelter, Jackson said many of the abandoned, abused and neglected cats and dogs they find homes for would be dead on city streets.

To make a donation, visit the ARF shelter at 395 W. Mayes St., call 769-216-3414, or visit the website, http://arfms.org">arfms.org.