Latest animal news and campaign updates
28/02/2022
Nature for Everyone!
Many of us have been lucky enough to surround ourselves with nature in places we’ve lived and worked. The wonders nature does for mental and physical health is astounding, but development, decline and disappearing funding have left our local parks, riversides and woods struggling. And 1 in 3 of us can’t access healthy nature near home.
The government says it wants to level up quality of life, and that’s why we have joined forces with other organisations to push for a #levellingup of nature with the Nature for everyone campaign led by Wildlife and Countryside Link.
Naturewatch Foundation’s CEO Sarah visited Lineover Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Gloucestershire to tell us what nature gives her, and why it is so important.
Link to Access to Nature Campaign video by Sarah Carr, Naturewatch Foundation CEO
24/01/2022
Positive steps taken in Scotland to ban the use of glue traps!
19/01/2022
Positive discussions in parliament to stop the use of barbaric glue traps
We want to thank Jane Stevenson MP for bringing the Glue Traps (Offences) Bill to the table, and for the positive discussion heard in parliament today to get the bill on to the next stage.
Glue traps are barbaric, indiscriminate and cause immense suffering to all animals subjected to them. The use of them should stop and this bill will be a massive step towards improving animal welfare, and banning such archaic and barbaric mechanisms. We look forward to seeing the progress that is hopefully being made at the next stage of this bill.
16/12/2021
Naturewatch Foundation echoes local council calls to be on guard against puppy farmers this festive season
After another uncertain year, we’re all looking forward to the festivities. We might also be thinking about welcoming a new four-legged family member into our lives to cheer ourselves up a bit. After all, who can resist the charms of a cute puppy? Dogs really are the best.
But, here at Naturewatch Foundation we are asking you to resist because Christmas is a puppy farmer’s favourite time of year. Illegal breeders know exactly how to tug at your heartstrings, and they’re well aware that a cuddly pup can make even the most sensible amongst us drop our guard.
Our advice is to always think carefully about getting a new dog. Christmas is a stressful time as it is, and a new addition to the household may struggle to settle. If, after thinking carefully, you are still keen, please visit a rescue centre. There are so many wonderful dogs at rescue centres across the UK who are looking for homes.
If you are certain you want a puppy, though, make sure you do your research. There’s so much great advice out there to help you avoid illegal and unethical breeders, including on our website. Our Spot the Signs page will help you to identify some of the classic hallmarks of puppy farmers.
Councils are also urging the public to be on alert this Christmas. Councillor Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said:
“Pet sales have risen significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and we expect increased demand in dogs this Christmas as we see most years.
“If you are looking online on the likes of Facebook for pets this year, do your research and take time to ensure that you are purchasing a pet from a responsible breeder who is, for example, happy for you to see the puppy with its mum and has the correct licence to trade.
“Buying pets from licensed sellers ensures the animals meet certain regulations and will have come from safe conditions. It also means that the seller can be traced if any issues arise after purchase.
“As demand rises, the number of people looking to profit does too, and councils need increased, specialist resources in this area to ensure illegal traders get caught before any animals are harmed.”
Don’t be caught out.
07/12/2021
Massive congratulations to our partner agencies on their thoroughly deserved award for the success of OPERATION SEABIRD
OPERATION SEABIRD was set up to protect our British coastline’s seabirds and marine mammals from disturbance and persecution. Since its launch in June 2021 a number of organisations have joined forces to support the operation to encourage the public to ‘Observe, don’t disturb’ and enjoy the beautiful British coastline without disturbance to animals that we share it with.
OPERATION SEABIRD is the perfect example of how multi-agency partnership working can advance animal welfare and ecological growth and protection.
We look forward to continuing our own successful partnership working with our friends at the RSPCA, police services and local councils on Naturewatch Foundation’s key priorities into 2022.
More information on OPERATION SEABIRD can be found in the following press article
Check back here for regular updates on the latest campaign and animal news.
