On Wednesday 8 October, 2025, Vanessa Waddon, Founder and Director of Hope Rescue in Pontyclun, South Wales, was awarded the Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin for her exceptional dedication to improving the lives of dogs. The award was presented by Sarah Carr, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation, at a special event held in the Welsh Senedd in honour of World Animal Day.
The event, organised with RSPCA Cymru, brought together Members of the Senedd, Welsh Government officials, and representatives from various animal welfare organisations to celebrate progress and opportunities for animal welfare in Wales. It also marked the launch of a joint manifesto calling for urgent action on key issues such as breeding standards and effective enforcement.
Vanessa was nominated by Natalie Harney, Naturewatch Foundation’s Campaign Manager for Companion Animals, for her tireless commitment to improving the lives of dogs. As the Founder and Director of Hope Rescue, Vanessa oversees rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming efforts for dogs in need. This year, Hope Rescue was also a recipient of Naturewatch Foundation’s Pet Rescue Grant, which helped them provide vital veterinary care for 34 dogs rescued from a Welsh breeder.
Among the dogs assisted by the grant was Sabrina, a five-year-old bichon who arrived pregnant and suffering from a grade 2 heart murmur and an ear infection. Thanks to the care provided by Hope Rescue, Sabrina and her pup were able to find loving homes. Other dogs, including Cindy and Declan, also received necessary medical treatment and were successfully rehomed.
In the past year, Hope Rescue has seen a 38% increase in the number of dogs arriving at their centre, many of whom come from low-welfare and illegal breeders. Despite this, Vanessa and her team remain dedicated to providing a safe haven for stray, abandoned, and abused dogs, while also advocating for improved dog welfare legislation and responsible breeding and ownership.
Upon receiving the Challenge Coin, Vanessa stated, “I am hugely honoured to receive this award on behalf of our incredible team at Hope Rescue. We are really proud to work with Naturewatch Foundation on so many important issues.” Sarah Carr, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation, also expressed admiration for Vanessa and her team’s tireless commitment to improving the lives of animals.
The Naturewatch Foundation Challenge Coin is a symbol of respect and is presented to individuals whose work goes above and beyond to support and promote the charity’s mission and values. Vanessa is only the second recipient of this prestigious award, which is highly treasured within the animal welfare community.
For further information, please contact Natalie Harney, Campaign Manager for Companion Animals at Naturewatch Foundation, at Natalie.harney@naturewatch.org or +44 (0) 1242 252 871.
About Hope Rescue: Hope Rescue is a Welsh-based dog rescue organisation committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need. Through the dedication of Vanessa Waddon and her team, Hope Rescue has saved countless animals from neglect and abandonment, providing them with safe, loving homes and ongoing support.
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.
