Vanessa Waddon, Founder and Director of Hope Rescue in Pontyclun, South Wales, has been awarded the Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin for her outstanding work supporting dogs. Waddon was recognised for her tireless commitment to improving the lives of dogs through rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming efforts.
The award was presented by Sarah Carr, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation, at a special event held on October 8th at the Welsh Senedd in honour of World Animal Day. The event, organised with RSPCA Cymru, brought together Members of the Senedd, Welsh Government officials, and representatives from animal welfare organisations to celebrate progress and opportunities for animal welfare in Wales.
Waddon was nominated by Natalie Harney, Naturewatch Foundation’s Campaign Manager for Companion Animals, for her dedication to improving the lives of dogs. This includes overseeing operations that have rescued countless animals and provided them with loving homes. Waddon’s organisation, Hope Rescue, was also a recipient of Naturewatch Foundation’s Pet Rescue Grant this year, which helped them to fund vital veterinary care for 34 dogs rescued from a Welsh breeder.
Among those helped by the grant was Sabrina, a five-year-old bichon who arrived pregnant and suffering from a grade 2 heart murmur and an ear infection. After a difficult birth requiring an emergency C-section, both she and her pup have found loving homes. Other dogs, such as Cindy and Declan, have also received much-needed medical care thanks to the grant.
Over the past year, 1,038 dogs have arrived at Hope Rescue’s centre, an increase of 38% from the previous year, with many coming from low-welfare and illegal breeders. Waddon and her team not only provide a safe haven for stray, abandoned and abused dogs, but also campaign tirelessly to improve dog welfare legislation, and raise awareness about responsible breeding and ownership.
In her acceptance speech, Waddon said, “I am hugely honoured to receive this award on behalf of our incredible team at Hope Rescue. We are really proud to work with Naturewatch Foundation on so many important issues. Being here at the Senedd today provided an opportunity for both of us to highlight that, despite the incredible milestones that have been achieved, the work that’s still needed, especially around regulation and breeding.”
Carr added, “Vanessa and the team at Hope Rescue were obvious choices to receive the Challenge Coin. I received the nomination from the Naturewatch Foundation Campaign Manager Natalie Harney who knows their work so well. Vanessa and her team’s tireless commitment to helping some of the most abused and neglected dogs in Wales makes them truly deserving of recognition. I am personally full of admiration for everything they do.”
The Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin is presented to individuals whose work goes above and beyond to support and promote the charity’s mission and values. A maximum of four awards are made each year, and Vanessa is the second recipient. These coins are a symbol of respect, recognising work that contributes to ‘advancing animal welfare’ and are highly treasured within the animal welfare community.
For further information, please contact: Natalie Harney Campaign Manager, Companion Animals Naturewatch Foundation Natalie.harney@naturewatch.org +44 (0) 1242 252 871
About Hope Rescue: Hope Rescue is a Welsh-based dog rescue organisation committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need. Through the dedication of Vanessa Waddon and her team, Hope Rescue has saved countless animals from neglect and abandonment, providing them with safe, loving homes and ongoing support.
About Naturewatch Foundation: Naturewatch Foundation is a UK-based animal welfare charity dedicated to ending cruelty and improving the lives of animals through campaigning, education and advocacy. For over 30 years, the charity has led initiatives to tackle illegal and unethical practices, including puppy farming, animal experiments and wildlife crime. By working with policymakers, enforcement agencies and the public, Naturewatch Foundation strives to make the world a kinder place for animals.
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