Rehoming appeal for working dogs
Following an influx of working breeds, Battersea Dogs & Cats Brands Hatch Home is launching a rehoming appeal.
This year, the Kent-based centre has been inundated with working breeds, including 11 Border Collies, nine Labrador Retrievers, six Springer Spaniels, a Field Spaniel, one Lancashire Heeler, a Bearded Collie and an Anatolian Shepherd. The majority of these dogs have been brought to the centre by owners who are no longer able to care for them.
Michelle Bevan, Re-homing and Welfare Manager, says: “Many of these dogs are brought in by owners who don’t have enough time to care for them, or find they are incompatible with their families or other pets. The owners are always upset to be giving them up, but recognise they aren’t giving the dog the life it deserves.”
Many of the dogs arriving at Battersea are suitable for working in the services, for example the Police Service, HM Forces, UK Border Agency, Prison Service and security and farming outlets. In fact, 17 of the dogs brought to the centre have been rehomed to service homes.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
