Animal rescue in Bedfordshire: How you can help finance the future for unwanted dogs and cats

MK rescue centre needs financial help, before it has to turn away dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs that need a home

An animal shelter near Milton Keynes has launched a Save our Safe Place campaign, to help pay for a new building to which will allow them keep up their vital work.

Since the Covid lockdown the National Animal Welfare Trust – formerly known as HULA Animal Rescue – at Aspley Guise has seen a staggering rise in the number of abandoned animals.

But its work to re-home dogs, pets, rabbits and guinea pigs in the community is under threat, as its 50 year old rehoming centre is falling apart.

Now more than ever

Without your help the future of this vital service may be in doubt.

Over the past five decades the centre has been a lifeline for thousands of animals, but in the past year that number has risen sharply, with 65 per cent more small animals looking to be rehomed than pre-pandemic levels.

There are already 40 unwanted dogs in the care of NAWT looking for new homes within the area, with the number likely to rise as the cost of living crisis bites.

What is required?

NAWT want to completely redevelop the site, with modernised facilities to suit rescue centre now and in the future, helping generations of pets to come.

Centre manager Carley Farr says: “If we don’t invest in new accommodation now, we will reach a point where we’re no longer able to provide homeless and abandoned animals with a safe place to stay.

“With over 40 unwanted dogs on our waiting list right now, we know how important our centre is to the community and we are committed to investing in improved accommodation for homeless pets with nowhere else to go. But we can’t do it without you!”

What can you do?

There are two main ways to help, in cash and in kind. The simplest, most effect support right now is to follow this link to their fundraising page

to make a donation to help support the work to replace or modernise the crumbling outbuildings and sheds. Or, if you can pledge your support by raising money through bake sales, sky dives, marathons or any other sponsorship method. To order a fundraising pack, please email [email protected]

While the money is the major requirement right now, they also need more foster carers. Carley added: “Groundworks have started on the site which means the centre is looking for more foster carers from the community to temporarily host homeless dogs, cats and rabbits while the centre finds them loving new homes.

“Our Bedfordshire Centre saves the lives of hundreds of pets every year. If we were no longer here, they would face a very uncertain future. We have an enormous task on our hands but with your help, we can ensure our vital rehoming service remains part of the community for many years to come.”

To help the Save our Safe Place appeal, visit https://www.nawt.org.uk/get-involved/nawt-bedfordshire-redevelopment/ or if you’re local to the Milton Keynes area and are able to help with foster care, please contact the team on 01908 584000.