Animal charities announce partnership to benefit dogs
"The Battersea Academy is a lifeline to so many smaller canine welfare charities" - Bill King, KC Charitable Trust.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has announced a new partnership agreement with the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which includes the Trust pledging up to £300,000 in funding to support the Battersea Academy.
The move is set to benefit dogs across the UK and comes as the leading animal welfare organisations celebrate two decades of friendship.
Battersea Academy runs educational programmes for animal welfare practitioners in the UK and abroad, providing much-needed funding to rescue organisations through its grants scheme.
Commenting on the partnership, Paul Marvell, head of Battersea Academy, said: “Battersea is here for every dog and cat, and this includes many animals beyond our gates. We work closely with other rescues across the country and overseas to improve animal welfare around the globe, whether that be sharing our expertise through our Academy or offering funding through our Grants scheme.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, not just for this new partnership, but for all of the support they have given us over the last two decades. This generous funding will have a huge impact on the animal welfare sector, particularly at a time when many rescues have been struggling because of the pandemic.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Trust to help improve the lives of thousands of dogs across the UK.”
Charitable Trust’s chairman, Bill King, added: “The Battersea Academy is a lifeline to so many smaller canine welfare charities who need help to make their operations more sustainable, efficient and professional. By funding much-needed grants and training sessions that enable Battersea’s world-class team to share their expertise, we have an opportunity to change the lives of thousands of dogs every year.
“Ultimately, our aim is to keep tails wagging by supporting those who do so much to rescue, train and rehome many of our most vulnerable four-legged friends”.
Battersea has supplied 41 grants to various rescue centres and shelters in the past year, helping some 25,000 animals.
Among the UK charities that have benefited from joining the Academy include Wadars Animal Rescue in Worthing to build their first animal residence and a Greyhound & Lurcher rescue for an animal ambulance.
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.
