Dog rescue takes on developers to build sanctuary for unwanted canines

A Manchester not-for-profit dog rescue has put out an emotional plea for dog lovers everywhere to help secure a second rescue site for unwanted dogs before land is sold for commercial development.

Last bids are by this Friday (September 11).

Dogs4Rescue, the UK’s pioneering kennel-free dog rescue, has launched its latest fundraising drive to help unwanted, abandoned and abused dogs from the UK and beyond by securing an oasis on a rural site on the outskirts of Manchester.

The rescue plans to use the site as a sanctuary and rehabilitation centre for dogs too unwell or emotionally damaged by their lives so far, with the most difficult cases able to live out the rest of their years in peace and with love and friends, rather than face the eventual outcome of being euthanised in shelters.

The charity is aiming to raise £550,000 by Friday, to successfully secure the site which has significant interest from property developers, and turn it into a 40 acre world-class dog rehabilitation retreat and sanctuary.

As canine charities such as Dogs Trust predict around 40,000 dogs will enter the UK rescue system due to the lockdown puppy boom, the fundraiser comes at a critical point for Dogs4Rescue as it prepares for this influx as well as continuing its usual work rescuing dogs from UK shelters and difficult situations abroad.

Emma Billington, founder of Dogs4Rescue, said: “We have proven the kennel-free dog rescue model works having successfully rehomed almost 1,500 dogs in the last seven years.

"By happy coincidence we have also discovered the dogs living together as pack creates an amazing window for rehabilitation, the kind of which traditional kennel-based dog rescues cannot offer.

"We have 16 permanent sanctuary dogs here who provide a backbone of stability to our pack and are fantastic at helping rehabilitate other shut down and frightened dogs.”

The rescue is asking for donations from the public to help meet the asking price for the site, with 50,000 £10 donations able to make the dream a reality.

After many successful fundraisers, including a marathon run by two-legged dog Sherry raising £25,000 for an improved visitor area and dog grooming facilities, the rescue hopes this could be the fundraiser that transforms the way the UK looks at dog rescue.

A new visitor area at the existing rescue received unprecedented help from the Manchester business community who were inspired by their drive to ‘do things differently’.

Emma added: “It’s our goal to save as many dogs as possible during our lifetime, and for that to become a legacy as we teach more people how to work with difficult dogs who just need a little more time, love and patience.

"We’re leading the way with our kennel-free rescue and the second site will help that legacy touch the rescue industry to change for the better.

"Donations will be a gift to all the dogs that no-one wants now, during our lifetimes and a lasting legacy into the future.”

To donate, please click here

For large donations or offers of corporate support, please email Emma at: info@dogs4rescue.co.uk

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