Help 80 Cats After Shelter Founder Hospitalized

Hi, I am trying to raise funds for a cat shelter that I came across in September 2024 while hiking in the Czech Republic, and with which I am personally familiar.

If you would prefer to make a direct contribution to the shelter, here are their international banking details:

IBAN : CZ87 2010 0000 0008 8118 8815, BIC/SWIFT : FIOBCZPPXXX.

AZYL GAIA, Z.S.

LUZNA 19

KOPRIVNA HANUSOVICE

Account with bank:

FIO BANKA, A.S.

V CELNICI 1028

MILLENIUM PLAZA 10, FLOOR 1

PRAGUE

The Story

In May 2025, Jiřina Vrábelová, the 76-year-old founder of a small Czech cat shelter (Azyl Gaia), suffered a serious injury and was placed in long-term medical care. For over 20 years, she dedicated a great part of her life to caring for the most vulnerable cats — the sick, the elderly, the unwanted — all from her modest, old, rural home in Lužná–Kopřivná.

She never got rich. She didn’t do it for recognition. She did it because no one else would. Despite the gorgeous nature, it is quite a depraved area and the cats are nobody's priority there.

Despite tight resources — around £3,500 per month (up and down) to care for up to 120 cats — Jiřina managed everything herself at her high age. She even created job opportunities for people with disabilities through the local job centre, hiring part-time help for cleaning and care. These positions were partially subsidized, but paid three months in arrears, forcing her to cover costs upfront from her own pension or small loans. Constant financial stress.

The shelter’s remote location made it hard to attract free volunteers. Still, she carried on — even during massive floods in September 2024, when she took in cats and their owner from a devastated village, despite already having a full capacity of cats.

A Campaign of Defamation

After Jiřina’s hospitalization, a group of former female staff members launched a public online attack, accusing her of animal cruelty and fraud. They created a Facebook page spreading their version of the story, calling the shelter a scam, and claiming the cats were diseased or neglected. They claim that they are trying to save the cats by 'revealing the truth about the shelter' (according to their version). But they never take a break, even at weekends, and are always commenting critically on anything the shelter posts. The campaign's focus on blame and the use of questionable evidence is currently having a negative impact on the cats, particularly due to the current lack of funds and the resulting stress on the volunteers, who are facing constant criticism.

The Inspection Findings – and the Truth

Following their complaints, the shelter was inspected four times between Sept 2024 and Feb 2025 by veterinarians and police:

In Dec 2024, two violations of the Animal Protection Act were recorded:

The cats rescued from the flood zone were housed in a temporary aviary in the attic, where they had access to food, water, shelter and enrichment, but only artificial light.

Six unneutered kittens were housed in pairs in large cages. They were let out daily to stretch and play, but the authorities deemed the setup insufficient.

Jiřina appealed, citing flood conditions, lack of space, and plans for expansion — but her appeal was rejected.

However, materials were already purchased for a new cat section, and by Feb 2025, all issues had been fully rectified. The final inspection found no problems.

The shelter was never closed. No charges were filed. But unfortunately, the smear campaign continues every day since June !!!

Thanks to a few kind shelters, 15 cats were transferred and some were adopted so far. But 80 cats remain, and with online attacks continuing, donations and adoption interest have dropped low.

A small group of volunteers and part time employees is keeping the shelter going — but there is only £500 left in the bank.

Where Things Stand Now – and the Plan

Thanks to the support of Charitativní spolek Kryšpín, which helps underfunded shelters and assists Azyl Gaia in promoting rehoming and communicating with other shelters regarding potential transfers, a responsible plan is now in place.

✅ The goal is to reduce the number to at least 50 for the time being.

Even better if more cats can find good homes. But reducing the number to at least 50 is a good start.

Whether the shelter continues will depend on Jiřina’s health, and whether a suitable, committed replacement can take over operations at her old property.

If not, the shelter will likely be gradually shut down, with all cats responsibly rehomed or placed in other shelters — though most Czech shelters are already full. International problem.

That’s why adoption is the best outcome, especially for cats that are already used to the house and the people.

How You Can Help

Right now, the shelter has £500 left in the bank (transactions on the bank account can be viewed here.: https://ib.fio.cz/ib/transparent?a=881188815&f=01.03.2025&t=30.04.2025).

Every pound converted to Czech crowns will go toward:

This fundraiser is not about choosing sides. It’s about decency, and protecting 80 innocent lives from the fallout of a public smear campaign.

Jiřina is in long-term care facility. She cannot defend herself. But we can help make sure her animals are not the ones who suffer.

If you believe in fair judgment, and compassion, please support this campaign.

I am creating a fundraiser here because I live in the UK. I will transfer the funds to their transparent bank account.

THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF JIŘINA AND ALL THE CATS!