ROUND UP
IT’S WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOG-LAND
Dominique Bellemare, President of WSPA
January saw 1,384 dogs successfully rehomed
said: “I’m delighted to welcome Mike into this
across Dogs Trust’s 17 UK Rehoming Centres
role and have no doubt that WSPA will
– a significant increase on the previous record
continue to build on its successes under his
of 1,210 reported in September 2006.
leadership. I wish Mike and WSPA every
success for the future.”
February’s figure of 1,006 dogs rehomed,
though slightly lower than the same time last
Record numbers of dogs are being rehomed
year (1,083), is still the second best February
from Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare
on record for the charity, despite the very bad
charity. A positive side effect of the recession.
weather and fewer weekends in the month.
Families are also visiting the Dogs Trust’s
Dog Owners Open
Rehoming Centres in record numbers. The first
two months of 2009 saw the most families ever
Their Homes To
(15,417) coming through the doors of the
charity, another indication that people are
Recession Hit Dogs
pulling together in the current economic slump,
and welcoming a dog as a positive addition to
their family unit.
Dogs Trust CEO Clarissa Baldwin said:
“It seems that as times are getting tougher for
World Society For The people financially, they are seeking fulfilment in
Protection Of Animals
more real ways than just spending money, and
it is very heartening for us as a charity that
Announces New
dogs appear to have a significant place in this
thinking.
Director General
“You cannot place a price in pounds on the
Michael Baker has been appointed as the
value that dogs add to our lives, and just as
new Director General for the international
some people are handing their dogs to us
animal welfare charity, the World Society for
because they feel they can no longer afford to
the Protection of Animals (WSPA). Major
keep them, many others are choosing to make
General Peter Davies, the current Director
the expenditure in return for the incalculable
General, is retiring in the summer and will
pleasure that canine companions bring.
hand over to Mike at that time.
“As our work is entirely funded by the dog-
Mike is currently the Chief Executive of The
loving public, we are keen to emphasise that
Brooke, a leading WSPA member society. On
this increased activity, while very positive for
his nomination, Mike said, “I am delighted to
us and the dogs in our care, means we need
be taking up this role and having the
our supporters’ backing more than ever.”
opportunity to build on Peter’s excellent work. An increased inclination amongst the public to
WSPA is uniquely placed to make a practical, rehome rescue dogs has been a positive side-
Mark and Joanne Simpson recently decided to
long term difference for some of the world’s effect of the recession, Dogs Trust said today
take on the responsibility of dog ownership for
neediest animals and change the way their (Tuesday), as it reported the highest number of
the first time. They visited Dogs Trust
societies perceive them.” man-and-dog unions in one month since
Darlington and took Labrador-cross puppy
records began.
Bobby home on 22 February. Joanne said:
A leading and respected figure in the UK and
international animal welfare sector, Peter has The UK’s largest dog welfare charity has
“Bobby is a gorgeous little dog – we are all so
been the Director General for WSPA since speculated that the reason for this could be
delighted we decided to give him a home.
2002. Peter’s retirement marks the end of a that while people are tightening their belts and
Being a dog owner is certainly more expensive
very successful chapter for the organisation, ‘consuming’ less, they are placing greater
than not being one, but our young children
during which WSPA saw massive growth and value on a fulfilling home and family life.
Sophia and Joshua had always wanted a dog
development – not just in size, but in capacity
and we just felt like it was the right time.
and ability to influence policy and legislation Also, in practical terms, those who are
worldwide. considering getting a dog are perhaps
“Nobody can know what’s round the corner
choosing the more cost-effective option of
financially, but even though news of the
Peter Davies said, “When I reflect on my time rehoming a rescue dog instead of buying one
economy is getting gloomier by the day, a
here, there is much WSPA has to be proud of from a breeder. People who are cancelling
happy home life is the most important thing to
– not least our creation of this truly global their gym memberships may be thinking of the
us anyway. If people are re-evaluating their
animal welfare movement. Today, WSPA has healthy active lifestyle that owning a dog
priorities and also coming to that conclusion
a presence in over 150 countries around the promotes, and those who are holidaying more
then I think that’s great! Bobby is a much-loved
world and the commitment displayed by every in the UK could be realising that dog
member of our family now. Having a puppy is
member of this alliance has allowed for some ownership does not have to hamper their
a bit like having a baby again! You can’t put a
truly impressive achievements – the sound of travel plans.
price on that kind of thing!”
so many voices speaking on individual issues
has been a powerful tool for advancing global
See our story on page 82 for more on Dogs
animal welfare.”
& The Recession.
06 K9MAGAZINE
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