Animal Rescue with Marion Garnet
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
ON average Battersea Dogs and Cats Home take in thirteen dogs and nine cats a day – 365 days a year. Each cat or dog that goes through Battersea’s gates is cared for according to five quality standards. Firstly, subject to space, Battersea aims never to turn away a dog or cat in need of their help.
So, when Larry the Jack Russell Terrier, arrived as a stray at Battersea’s door, he was accepted as a needy boy and taken into their care. Battersea has a non-selective intake policy which is increasingly rare in animal rescue. It means they never know what sort of dog or cat is coming through their gate next.
The second standard is that Battersea aims to ensure every dog or cat receives the highest standards of care. Since Larry arrived, he will, for example, have been cared for by those skilled and trained in canine behaviour. Thirdly, Battersea aims to keep all their animals as healthy as possible - care for Larry will have included a full veterinary assessment.
The fourth Battersea standard is that they ensure dogs and cats pass through Battersea as safely and quickly as possible with the best possible outcome for each of them – Larry arrived at Battersea on August 4 and is now ready for rehoming. For some animals, it may take longer but Battersea never put a time limit on how long an animal waiting to be rehomed can stay.
The fifth standard is that Battersea provide advice and support to new owners to maximise the chances of successful rehoming. If you would like to talk to Battersea about becoming Larry’s new owner, he is currently at Battersea’s Old Windsor site, call 01784 494443 or see details at battersea.org. uk.
In order to raise funds to maintain these standards and have a great day out at the same time, Battersea is organising Battersea’s Big Day Out on Saturday, September 7, 10am to 5pm at Stoke Park, Guildford.
There will be a dog show, agility, Ambassadog Parade, games and lots more. Admission is free.
Finally, the RSPCA clinic at Burket Close, Southall is organising more free cat neutering days. The next day is Wednesday, August 28 for female cats and Thursday, September 5 for male cats. No appointment is needed. The cat must be starved from 8pm the night before. Owners need to arrive no later than 8.45am to 9am (first come, first seen). Cats should be ready for collection at 3.30pm. Details from 0300 123 0746 option 3.