Due to rising costs and increased demands, an independent rescue charity near you is appealing to dog lovers to commit to a low-cost monthly sponsorship.

Our friends at Doggy Dens UK Rescue, a dog rescue charity based in Cuckney, have launched an urgent appeal for a monthly sponsorship of £5 to help care for the dogs in their kennels.

The UK is currently experiencing a crisis in dog rescue, a situation that many rescuers, including charity founder Denise Hardwick, are witnessing firsthand.

Many people in the rescue industry, including Denise, believe that the factors contributing to this concerning crisis include the increase in pet ownership during the pandemic, the rising cost of living, lack of central funding, and the difficulties associated with rehoming dogs, especially those with behavioural or medical issues.

Doggy Dens UK Rescue is located at Cuckney, Nottinghamshire.

placeholder image — Doggy Dens UK Rescue is located at Cuckney, Nottinghamshire.

Animal rescue centres are also overwhelmed by a higher number of incoming dogs while facing declining rates of rehoming, a situation felt here at independently-run Doggy Dens.

Denise explained: “People are giving their dogs away for free on social media, and rescues are overwhelmed.

“A lack of central and consistent funding is leading to more rescues shutting down.

“This is extremely concerning. We are facing a crisis.

“If local people considered making a regular monthly donation to support our resident UK dogs, this would help provide essential care, support staff, and food – plus factoring in unexpected vet bills or added costs.

“Thank you for your continued support.”