Naturewatch Foundation Thanks Supporters for Funding Pet Rescue Grant 2025
Local animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation, is expressing its gratitude towards supporters for their generous contributions towards its Pet Rescue Grant 2025. The grant has provided a second chance to 52 rescued dogs, cats, and rabbits.
In April 2025, the charity received 100 applications from rescues across the UK and announced the winners following a highly competitive selection process. Hope Rescue, The Bunnyjackpot Foundation, Cat Supporters South Wales, and Second Chance Spaniel Rescue were chosen to receive funds to support animals affected by the low-welfare and illegal pet trade.
Hope Rescue used their grant to provide urgent veterinary care for 34 dogs rescued from a dog breeder in Wales. Sabrina, a five-year-old Bichon with a heart murmur, was one of the dogs who arrived pregnant and in poor condition. Thanks to the grant, she and her surviving pup were successfully rehomed. Other rescues, Cindy and Declan, have also made full recoveries and are thriving in their new homes after being neutered.
The Bunnyjackpot Foundation, a foster-based rescue, used their grant to rehabilitate eleven rabbits, affectionately named “The Naturewatch Eleven.” Astra, one of the rabbits, arrived with a severely matted coat due to neglect. After receiving a full clip and neutering, Astra has been rehomed with a new companion named George. However, not all rescues had happy endings, as Aura had to be let go due to health complications. Zeppelin, her companion, was saved and has been rehomed with two other rabbits after being neutered.
Founder and CEO of The Bunnyjackpot Foundation, Heather Medley, expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is with huge thanks to Naturewatch Foundation that we have been able to help some rabbits in critical circumstances due to the pet trade. Without the grant, some of our rabbits who’ve found their forever homes wouldn’t be here today.”
Second Chance Spaniel Rescue used their £1,000 mini-grant to spay three dogs, including Ginger and Patsy, a mother and daughter abandoned at a boarding kennel after being used for breeding. Both dogs have been rehomed and are enjoying their new lives. The volunteer team at Second Chance Spaniel Rescue stated, “As a small volunteer-run rescue, this funding made a real difference. Spaying is a crucial but costly step on a dog’s rehoming journey – this support helped us give three girls the futures they deserve.”
Thanks to their mini-grant, Cat Supporters South Wales were able to take in four cats they otherwise couldn’t have helped. One of the cats, Oscar, was a stray unneutered male suffering from a painful eye condition and two abscesses. With treatment funded by the grant, he is now on the mend and will have eye surgery in the future.
Natalie Harney, Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, expressed her appreciation for the support, saying, “The Pet Rescue Grant is made possible by our incredible supporters and we’d like to say a huge thank you to them. Rescues are really struggling with rising costs and growing demand, so we’re proud to support fantastic organizations doing such vital work.”
Rescues helping dogs, cats, or rabbits affected by the pet trade can register their interest in the 2026 Pet Rescue Grant from Saturday 24th January 2026 at naturewatch.org/pet-rescue-grant.
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. The charity has been leading initiatives to tackle illegal and unethical practices for over 30 years, including puppy farming, animal experiments, and wildlife crime. Working with policymakers, enforcement agencies, and the public, Naturewatch Foundation strives to make the world a kinder place for animals. Visit naturewatch.org to find out more.
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