Local animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation, is expressing gratitude towards its supporters for their contributions to the Pet Rescue Grant 2025. The grant has provided a second chance to 52 rescued dogs, cats, and rabbits.
In April 2025, the charity announced the recipients of the Pet Rescue Grant after receiving 100 applications from rescues across the UK. After a rigorous selection process, four organizations – Hope Rescue, The Bunnyjackpot Foundation, Cat Supporters South Wales, and Second Chance Spaniel Rescue – were chosen to receive funds from the charity to support animals affected by the low-welfare and illegal pet trade.
Hope Rescue, located in South Wales, used their grant to provide urgent veterinary care to 34 dogs rescued from a dog breeder in Wales. Many of these dogs were in poor condition and had limited experience with human contact. The funds were used for neutering and other crucial veterinary costs. One of the dogs, Sabrina, a five-year-old Bichon with a heart murmur, arrived pregnant and had to undergo an emergency C-section. Thanks to the dedicated care of the Hope Rescue team, Sabrina and her surviving pup were successfully rehomed. Two other dogs, Cindy, a two-year-old Westie, and Declan, a four-year-old Bichon, have also made full recoveries and are thriving in their new homes after being neutered.
The Bunnyjackpot Foundation, a foster-based rescue, utilized their grant to rehabilitate eleven rabbits, fondly called “The Naturewatch Eleven.” One of them, Astra, arrived with a severely matted coat due to neglect. After receiving a full clip and neutering, Astra was rehomed with a new companion rabbit named George. Unfortunately, not all rescues had happy endings. Aura, who arrived at the rescue with her companion Zeppelin, was found to have a heart mass and breathing difficulties. The Bunnyjackpot Foundation had to make the difficult decision to let her go. However, Zeppelin was saved and has now been rehomed with two other rabbits after being neutered. Heather Medley, Founder and CEO of The Bunnyjackpot Foundation, expressed her gratitude towards Naturewatch Foundation, stating that without the grant, they would not have been able to help some rabbits in critical circumstances due to the pet trade.
Second Chance Spaniel Rescue used their £1,000 mini-grant to spay three dogs, including Ginger and Patsy, a mother and daughter who were abandoned at a boarding kennel after being used for breeding. Both dogs have now been rehomed and are enjoying their new lives. The volunteer team at Second Chance Spaniel Rescue stated that the funding made a real difference as spaying is a crucial but costly step in a dog’s rehoming journey.
Cat Supporters South Wales used their mini-grant to care for four additional cats, including Oscar, a stray unneutered male cat suffering from a painful eye condition and two abscesses. With the grant’s help, Oscar is now on the mend and will undergo eye surgery in the future.
Natalie Harney, Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, expressed her gratitude towards the supporters for making the Pet Rescue Grant possible. She urged animal lovers to support their local rescue organizations through donations, time, or considering adoption. Rescues can register their interest for the 2026 Pet Rescue Grant starting from January 24th, 2026, on the Naturewatch Foundation’s website.
For further information, please contact:
Alice Williamson
Campaigns & Marketing Assistant
Naturewatch Foundation
alice@naturewatch.org
+44 (0) 1242 252 871
Natalie Harney
Campaign Manager
Naturewatch Foundation
natalie.harney@naturewatch.org
+44 (0) 1242 252 871
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. To learn more, visit naturewatch.org.
