Animal welfare charities join forces to support rescue animals as centres face growing pressure.

Naturewatch Foundation has announced that Gloucestershire-based Teckels Animal Sanctuaries will be its official charity partner for the 2026 World Animal Day Donate a Dinner campaign, shining a spotlight on the growing challenges facing animal rescue centres across the UK.

To launch the partnership, Naturewatch Foundation CEO Sarah Carr and colleagues visited Teckels Animal Sanctuaries to present a £100 donation, enough to provide a meal for every one of the sanctuary's 42 resident dogs currently waiting for loving homes.

The visit highlighted the reality facing rescue organisations at a time when many are struggling with rising costs, increasing numbers of abandoned animals and the lasting impact of irresponsible and illegal breeding.

Among the dogs the team met were three Pomeranians - Paula, Pearl and Podge - who are now looking for new homes after being rescued from a household where around 120 dogs were being kept. Believed to be between eight and eleven years old, the trio had never experienced something as simple as going for a walk outside before arriving at Teckels.

The team also met Apollo, a three-year-old Huntaway cross Husky, who is also waiting to find his forever family.

World Animal Day, celebrated every year on 4 October, encourages people around the world to take action to improve the lives of animals. Naturewatch Foundation coordinates the international movement and its annual Donate a Dinner campaign, which encourages people to support their local rescue centres by helping provide food for animals in their care.

Sarah Carr, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation and coordinator of World Animal Day, said:

"I loved visiting Teckels Animal Sanctuary, meeting the dedicated staff, and the wonderful dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes. As a charity headquartered in Gloucestershire, I am so pleased that we can help Teckels Animal Sanctuary this year with our World Animal Day Donate a Dinner project! Every year we coordinate World Animal Day around the globe, so by launching the project now, we hope that lots of businesses, organisations and community groups will think which animal shelters they can help too on October 4"

Chelsea Rogers, Social Media Manager at Teckels Animal Sanctuaries, said:

"We are honoured to be the chosen charity partner for Naturewatch Foundation's 2026 Donate a Dinner campaign. The rising cost of living has had a significant impact on Teckels, making support initiatives like this more important than ever. This campaign provides invaluable support for animal rescues, and we encourage everyone to get involved and show their support! A huge thank you to Naturewatch Foundation for their extremely generous donation of £100 to feed our rescues!"

More details about how members of the public can get involved in this year's Donate a Dinner campaign will be announced closer to World Animal Day on October 4. In the meantime, businesses, organisations and community groups are encouraged to start planning how they could support their local rescue centre, whether by donating pet food, fundraising or purchasing much-needed supplies.

Those wishing to support Teckels Animal Sanctuaries can donate directly or purchase essential items from its Amazon Wishlist. For more information on the Donate A Dinner scheme please visit naturewatch.org/campaigns/world-animal-day/what-were-doing/

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Media queries:Alice WilliamsonCampaigns and Marketing AssistantNaturewatch Foundationalice@naturewatch.org+44 (0) 1242 252 871

About Naturewatch Foundation: Naturewatch Foundation is a UK-based animal welfare charity dedicated to ending cruelty and improving the lives of animals through campaigning, education and advocacy. For over 30 years, the charity has led initiatives to tackle illegal and unethical practices, including puppy farming, animal experiments and wildlife crime. By working with policymakers, enforcement agencies and the public, Naturewatch Foundation strives to make the world a kinder place for animals. Visit naturewatch.org to find out more.

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