Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home will be the focus for fundraising efforts over the next year by the council’s members of staff and councillors.
The charity, based in Cambridge, near Slimbridge, which cares for and re-homes animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, also provides subsidised veterinary clinics for pet owners who are suffering financial hardship.
Connor Ward, chair of SDC’s charity group, said: “We are really looking forward to working with Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home over the next 12 months. As a council we are all too aware that many families have suffered financial hardship during the cost-of-living crisis, making it increasingly difficult for many to look after their pets. Over the next year we will raising much-needed funds will be diverted towards for the charity, and we hope that many more animals lead a happy and long life which is free of suffering.”
Amy Souster, CDCH’s Operations Manager said:
“The team at The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home is extremely grateful to SDC to be named their charity of the year. It has come at a time when we are seeing more and more animals in need of our support, not only through our rescue and rehoming work but also in our community. CDCH is offering support through our Low-Cost Vet Clinics, Pet Food Bank and Outreach Clinics.
“A grant from Stroud District Council has supported the development of our Pet Retreat Scheme, a service that provides temporary support to the animals of individuals fleeing domestic abuse, thus removing a significant barrier to those fleeing an abusive situation. The scheme, which has supported 12 animals since its launch 18 months ago, provides temporary loving homes until the pet and owner are ready to be reunited. With the incredible support of SDC, we hope to reach even more animals.”
Stroud District Council Human Resources Partner Louisa Sanderson is familiar with the charity, having fostered Mini, a miniature Dachshund during lockdown. She said:
“Fostering is a great way to support the charity and give an animal some love and home comforts. I was supported throughout the process with regular advice and vet check-ups. It was clear that the staff have genuine love and care for the animals that they are responsible for. I have since adopted Mini and can’t thank CDCH enough for giving me such a beautiful, funny, and sassy little madam who now gets to live somewhere she is loved unconditionally.”
Each year council employees are invited to nominate a local charity to support, then vote for their favourite from a shortlist.
Last year the council’s charities team organised a number of events for staff and councillors on behalf of Stroud Women’s Refuge, including a quiz and bake sale and sold Christmas cards and a cookbook with proceeds going to the charity.
Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home is one of the organisations to benefit from Lucky Severn Community Lottery. The charity receives 50p from every £1 ticket its supporters buy, with a further 10p going to other good causes in the Stroud district. Every week Lucky Severn ticket holders are in with a chance of winning prizes ranging from the £25,000 jackpot to free tickets. Find out more here https://www.luckysevernlottery.co.uk/support/the-cotswolds-dogs-and-cats-home
Find out more about Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home on its website cotswoldsdogsandcatshome.org.uk/
Sign up for email alerts: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/apps/email-alerts
