A new animal welfare fund has been launched to assist pets who are being exploited for financial gain.

New Pet Rescue Grant Available to Help Animals Impacted by Illegal Breeding and Selling in the UK

London, UK – On January 24th, applications will open for a new Pet Rescue Grant aimed at providing support for dogs, cats, and rabbits affected by the illegal pet trade in the UK. The grant, totaling £5,000, is being offered by Naturewatch Foundation and will be available to UK charities and community interest companies (CICs).

According to studies, more than half of households in the UK own a pet, and it is estimated that 50% of puppies are sourced from illegal channels. This low-welfare breeding has a devastating impact on both the welfare of animals and their owners. Furthermore, the illegal pet trade has increasingly become a target for organized criminal activity.

Naturewatch Foundation, a charity that advocates for better pet welfare protections and investigates tips from the public about the illegal pet trade, is launching this grant at a time when the animal rescue sector is facing significant challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis and increasing abandonments.

Natalie Harney, a representative from the charity, stated, “As a nation of animal lovers, it is heartbreaking to see that so many of our beloved pets are the product of the illegal pet trade. We have been campaigning and investigating to end illegal breeding for years, but we understand that without the tireless efforts of the rescue sector, many abused and exploited pets would not receive the love, care, and specialized support they need. The Pet Rescue Grant is our way of supporting these selfless organizations that are picking up the pieces.”

Interested rescue organizations can visit naturewatch.org/petrescuegrant or email petrescuegrant@naturewatch.org for more information. Applications will be open from January 24th, 2024, and will close on February 21st, 2024.

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