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Winners announced for Pet Rescue Grant 2025
Hope Rescue has received £5,000 to fund veterinary costs for rescued dogs.
Four rescue charities received a share of the funding.

Naturewatch Foundation has revealed the animal rescue charities which have been awarded a share of this year's Pet Rescue Grant.

The Pet Rescue Grant, which was first launched in 2024, provides financial support to charities which work on the front line to care for pets exploited for profit. This includes rehabilitating dogs, cats and rabbits which have been affected by the illicit pet trade.

This year saw Naturewatch Foundation receive 100 applications from animal rescue charities hoping to receive a share of the grant.

One of the successful charities was The Bunnyjackpot Foundation, which received £5,000 to support its work rehabilitating small animals, including rabbits, hamsters and rats. Founded in March 2022, volunteers in the charity foster rescued animals in their own homes before they are rehomed into permanent families.

Among the animals rescued by The Bunnyjackpot Foundation are 'The Naturewatch Ten' – ten rescued rabbits which are being cared for ahead of rehoming.

Also receiving £5,000 is Hope Rescue, a dog welfare charity which saves the lives of stray, abandoned and unwanted dogs in South Wales. The charity will be using its share to fund the veterinary costs of dogs seized from illegal breeders.

Second Chance Spaniel Rescue has received a £1,000 share of the grant. The charity, which operates across the UK, will use the grant to fund the neutering of three ex-breeding spaniels.

Cat Supporters South Wales was also awarded £1,000 to support its work rescuing stray and abandoned cats in the area. The funding will contribute to the veterinary costs of the cats that the charity takes in.

Natalie Harney, campaign manager at Naturewatch Foundation, said: “The rescue sector is going through a really difficult time at the moment and that’s shown by the huge number of applications we received again this year. Sadly, dogs, cats and rabbits who’ve been exploited for profit in the pet trade often have costly and complex medical and welfare needs, with rescues typically footing the bill.

“Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we’re pleased to be able to give back to these incredible organisations doing such difficult and vital work. We encourage everyone to support their local rescue by adopting, volunteering or donating.”

Image © Hope Rescue

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.