A DOG rescue charity based in Rugby is busier than ever following a recent boom in dog abandonment.
Pawprints Dog Rescue says there has been a surge in people abandoning dogs across the region over the past year, due in part to more puppy purchases during the pandemic.
The charity’s head of operations Anita Twigger said: “More dogs than ever are being euthanised, many simply because there is nowhere for them to go when their behavioural issues escalate or when their cuteness has passed as they grow into adulthood.
“Some 66,000 dogs were imported into the UK last year, almost double that of the previous year.
“Over lockdowns, we’ve seen people purchasing companion animals in their droves, a good deal of the animals coming from abroad. These are often street dogs, without any assessments made on their behaviour, which is of course problematic when they’re brought into a family home.”
The Pawprints team had to buy new premises after their previous kennels were sold and they were given just a few months to move.
But after moving to new kennels last year, they found the drainage system was ineffective and had to spend thousands on the remedial works.
With demand greater than ever, the charity – which is entirely dependant on financial and volunteer support – was grateful to receive a £1,500 donation from housebuilder CALA Midlands, which will be put towards the renovation of the kennels to allow it to save as many dogs as possible and find them permanent homes.
“We’ll put the money to best use renovating the kennels’ groundworks this year, making it much nicer for the dogs while they stay with us,” said Anita.
“Despite being busier than ever, we’ve had to also shoulder the burden of a 40 percent drop in funding over the past year.
“Although it has been one of the hardest years in a decade of operating, we’re delighted to have been selected as recipients of CALA’s bursary programme – it’s been nothing short of a lifeline.”
Neil Simpson, Sales and Marketing Director at CALA Midlands, said: “It’s been particularly hard for local community groups, and especially animal charities in recent months – with many organisations being unable to get into the community to fundraise.
“We know that this donation will mean a great deal to Anita and her team – we can’t wait to follow their progress and see how the donations will make a real difference to the dogs in their care.”
Visit www.pawprintsdogrescue.org for more information on the charity, or to donate.
