Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column

FIRST, an urgent message from Chris Packham.

Two weeks ago, I told you about the second People’s Walk for Wildlife which was being planned for Saturday (November 26).

Chris has just announced that, with regret, the walk is being postponed until the spring. The reason is the planned rail strikes will severely impact people’s ability to access London.

If you remember, the walk is being organised in response to what has been termed an “attack on nature” by the government.

The first People’s Walk for Wildlife took place in 2018. It ended at 10, Downing Street, where Chris handed in a “People’s Manifesto”. This consisted of suggestions on how we can improve the ways we look after the environment.

But Chris says it hasn’t been listened to, pointing out we’ve got sewage in our rivers, proposed “investment zones” threatening ancient woodland and nature-friendly farming schemes in danger of being scrapped – all while our wildlife is rapidly disappearing.

The walk is planned as a way of showing our concern. Details of the new date will be available at peopleswalkforwildlife.org

Alongside this lack of respect shown to wildlife by the government is the depressingly predictable lack of respect shown to animals in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

We’re only a few days into this year’s series and we’ve already seen animals portrayed as repulsive or scary. Chris refers to the programme as “horrible, outdated and unnecessary stereotyping and abuse of animals”.

The RSPCA says it sends completely the wrong message about how sentient living creatures can be treated.

If you think using living creatures in this programme is unacceptable, contact Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk or ITV through the website rspca.org.uk/ getinvolved/campaign

Finally, let’s focus on an organisation that does know how to respect animals – All Dogs Matter.

Chester is just one of the beautiful dogs currently in its care. He’s a young beagle who is looking for a home after being found as a stray. He’s friendly and likes to be around people.

In his new home, he could possibly live with a calm female dog. He would prefer someone who is home most of the day and is experienced with the breed

For details see alldogsmatter. co.uk or call 020 8341 3196.

All Dogs Matter is running an auction from December 1 to 16 where we’ll have the chance to bid for fantastic prizes.

Auctions like this are win/win occasions. We get a treat we wouldn’t normally buy and the money goes to charity. See alldogsmatter.co.uk for details.

ALL DOGS MATTER Chester is just one of the beautiful dogs currently in All Dogs Matter’s care