More ways to give to Dogs Trust Turnbull & Asser Thanks to Turnbull & Asser, you can look the part with your own unique pocket square - making a difference to the lives of thousands of dogs at the same time! Our history Today Dogs Trust (formerly the NCDL) is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for over 17,000 dogs each year through its network of 20 rehoming centres in the UK - and one in Dublin. We have been involved in every piece of legislation affecting dogs over the past 125 years, but where did it all begin?... 1891 Founded, to protect dogs from ‘torture and ill-usage of every kind’ A ‘small party of gentlemen’ brought together by Lady Gertrude Stock in a room off the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington during the first ever Crufts dog show, vowed to campaign for the protection of strays, the provision of proper veterinary care and to campaign against muzzling, prolonged chaining, and experimentation on dogs – a widespread practice at the time. They formed the National Canine Defence League (NCDL).

1900's The Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill, known as the Forfeit Bill was introduced by Dogs Trust in 1908. 1903 Saw an end to the use of dog-lockers in luggage vans on trains, to be replaced by kennels. Railway companies also agreed to provide water for dogs if they had a label attached to them reading ‘please give my dog water’, which Dogs Trust had printed and distributed to members. 1910 Right from its formation, Dogs Trust believed that no one who clearly cared for and looked after their dog should be prevented from keeping it, just because they were poor. The Dog Licence Club, founded in 1910, reflected this until the licence was abolished in 1987. 1912 Awards for bravery Always keen to recognise kindness to dogs above and beyond the call of duty, Dogs Trust awarded its silver medal from 1912 onwards to those people who rescued dogs from beatings, rivers, fires and other hardships. Dog heroes were also rewarded with inscribed silver coins!

1914 World War I During World War I Dogs Trust paid for over 12,500 dog licences; a valuable help to families whose bread-winner was away at war. 1920 Dogs Trust was responsible for the almost total abolition of performing dogs from the music hall stage by the 1920’s. Also, the emergence of the motor car led to the minority of motorists boasting of how many dogs they had run over. Dogs Trust responded by producing three million leaflets and posters and achieved widespread press coverage. 1939 World War II The outbreak of World War II led to Dogs Trust issuing instructions for constructing a gas-proof kennel and gas masks for dogs through appeals on the BBC. Dogs Trust also collected the combings from members’ dogs’ fur to be knitted into clothing for the troops. This was a very successful operation, which continued for many years! 1964 A non-destruction policy was adopted and today, dogs that cannot for some reason be rehomed, can be sponsored and become permanent residents. 1966 Opened our centre in Manchester . Today!

Dogs Trust is now active in ten countries around the world and has moved from being just a rehoming charity, to one that also works within the community and alongside the Government to deal with a range of issues in society from dangerous dogs, so called “status dogs”, puppy farming and the online sale of puppies. Over £6 million a year is invested in important preventative work. The charity continues to advise government ministers at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and has been heavily involved in all the major animal welfare legislation over the last 30 years. Most notably we have been crucially involved in legislation on the animal welfare act, breeding, dangerous dogs, greyhounds and currently microchipping. We've been digging into the image archives... Save What's in a name? | World news | The Guardian Animal welfare What's in a name? Giving an animal charity a name isn't easy - look at what the Victorians called theirs.

And it's an issue with which some still struggle, says Justine Hankins Friday 30 May 2003 20.30 EDT First published on Friday 30 May 2003 20.30 EDT Share on Messenger Close The National Canine Defence League is about to disappear. Not the organisation, which is still in fine fettle, but the name has got to go. NCDL hopes to find a new one by the end of the year. Let's face it, the one they've got isn't exactly catchy. The "national" bit isn't too bad, but is there any need for "canine"? What's wrong with "dog"? Judging by the amount of cat-related inquiries NCDL receives, some people don't know what "canine" means. To be fair to the public, this isn't necessarily a symptom of mass stupidity. After all, Battersea Dogs Home has been looking after cats for years. "Defence" has both military and legal overtones; "canine defence" could be an urban pooch guerrilla movement, or a dog in a funny wig. "League" smacks of Victorian philanthropy and has fallen out of fashion.

Early 19th-century animal welfare organisations had names such as The Society For The Suppression Of Wanton Cruelty To Animals and The Association For Promoting Rational Humanity Towards The Animal Creation. So the National Canine Defence League must have sounded pretty punchy when it began in 1891. It's now long past its sell-by date, but what's the alternative? "We're looking for a name with 'dog' in the title," says NCDL's Deana Selby. Well, it's a start. Of course, NCDL isn't the first animal charity to have a stab at rebranding. The RSPCA is so well known it doesn't need to be written out in full. It hasn't had a name change since 1840, when the SPCA acquired the Royal prefix - courtesy of the animal-loving Queen Victoria. Cats' Protection League dropped the "league" and the apostrophe in 1999 to become Cats Protection. To the casual eye, Battersea Dogs Home remains unchanged, but it, too, has lost an apostrophe.

Our Dumb Friends' League started in 1897, but was doomed to oblivion by linguistic trends: dumb has become derogatory, apostrophes redundant (some would say) and as for league, see above. Fortunately, ODFL launched the Blue Cross Fund in 1912 to assist animals in war. So when the organisation wanted to change its name, in 1950, it was able to do so seamlessly to Blue Cross. Modern animal charities are not saddled with Victorian vocabulary, so have they managed to fare any better? Some opt for an apt acronym, such as the People And Dogs Society (Pads), which runs a telephone advice line called the Canine Advice Life Line (Call). There is also Faith (For Animals In Trouble There's Hope), which is surely trying too hard. The Society for Neutering Islington's Pussies (Snip) has been mentioned before on these pages, but it's so snappy, it's worth repeating. My favourite option is the "it does what it says on the tin" approach. Examples include the Edinburgh Dog And Cat Home, the Donkey Sanctuary, Ashurst Guinea Pig Rescue and the Disabled Animals' Club.

Other charities prefer to be more mysterious: there's Redwings (a horse charity) and the Shirrin Rescue Centre (which looks after Persian cats). Ideally, all I'd like to know from an animal charity's name is where it is, what it does and what kind of critters it caters for. But how do you succinctly sum up NCDL? Once a campaigning organisation run by a bunch of kindly eccentrics, it is now the biggest dog charity in the country, involved in lobbying, welfare, rehoming, information and education, not just in the UK but internationally. That's a lot to get across in a couple of words. If we look beyond the animal world, the one-word solution seems to be prevalent. In the charity sector we have Liberty, Oxfam and Shelter. There are unions called Amicus and Unison, and bank accounts called Egg and Smile. Following this lead, perhaps NCDL should just be called Dog. Scoff all you like, but if you're so clever, why don't you think of something? Animal Welfare Animal Welfare Animal Welfare What is Animal Welfare?

Animal welfare relates to the general health and well-being of animals and covers a wide range of issues, from the care of family pets to concerns about exploitation and abuse. Animal rights are hotly debated. Proponents stress the helplessness and vulnerability of animals and campaign for their protection, particularly in areas such as medical research and factory farming. Others take a more pragmatic approach, insisting that the ever-increasing demand for better medicines and more food should take priority over the rights of animals. However, few in Britain today would argue against the need to protect animals from suffering and there are many organisations which continue to campaign vigorously for animal rights. Background Britain could claim to be something of a world leader in animal welfare, having been responsible for the first ever animal welfare legislation and the first animal welfare charity. In 1822 the 'Act to Prevent the Cruel and Improper Treatment of Cattle' was steered through the House of Commons by Irish MP Richard Martin – known as 'Humanity Dick' because of his campaigning for both animal and human rights.

The act stated that if any person or persons "shall wantonly and cruelly beat, abuse, or ill-treat any horse, mare, gelding, mule, ass, ox, cow, heifer, steer, sheep, or other cattle" they would be fined a sum "not exceeding five pounds, not less than ten shillings"; failure to pay the fine would result in a prison sentence of up to three months. Not everyone appeared to take the new law seriously, however, and there were concerns that the legislation was not being properly implemented. Consequently, in order to provide greater protection for animals, Richard Martin, together with the Reverend Arthur Broome and fellow MP and slave trade abolitionist William Wilberforce, founded the world's first animal welfare charity, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), in a London coffee shop in 1824. The charity subsequently attracted the patronage of Queen Victoria and went on to become the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), well-known today as one of the world's leading animal welfare organisations.

Other animal charities began to be established towards the end of the 19th century and some, like the RSPCA, are still going strong today. The Mayhew Animal Home, for example, founded in 1886 to protect "the lost and starving dogs and cats of London", is still rescuing and providing shelter for thousands of animals every year; and the National Canine Defence League (NCDL) set up in 1891 to protect dogs from torture and mistreatment of any kind, today operates as the Dogs Trust and has become the UK's largest dog welfare charity. Animal experimentation also became a major issue around that time. Although live animals had been used in research for many years, it was not until the late 19th century that anti-vivisection societies began to organise concerted opposition to the practice. Five of the societies merged in 1898 to form the British Union, which later became the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection. Support for the movement grew rapidly and today the BUAV and many other national and international groups are continuing to campaign for an end to all animal experimentation.

The work of the various charities was supported by the introduction of further legislation which was gradually expanded to cover domestic and other animals. The 1911 Protection of Animals Act was introduced to "consolidate, amend, and extend certain enactments relating to Animals and to Knackers". The Act made it an offence of cruelty to "cruelly beat, kick, ill-treat, over-ride, over-drive, over-load, torture, infuriate, or terrify any animal" or permit an animal to be so used; to "convey or carry, or permit to be conveyed or carried, any animal in such manner or position as to cause that animal any unnecessary suffering"; to "cause or assist at the fighting or baiting of any animal"; to "administer, or cause administration of, any poisonous or injurious drug or substance to any animal; and to "cause or permit any animal to any operation which is performed without due care and humanity". Any person found guilty of such an offence of cruelty would be liable to a fine "not exceeding twenty-five pounds"; and/or be imprisoned, "with or without hard labour," for a term "not exceeding six months". Further Acts were passed throughout the 20th century.

These included the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925; the Pet Animals Act 1951 (amended 1983); the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963; the Riding Establishments Act 1964 and 1970; and the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, which amended and extended the provisions of the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 and the Breeding of Dogs Act 1991. In 2006 the most significant piece of animal welfare legislation was passed. The Animal Welfare Act (in force April 2007) largely repealed and replaced the 1911 Protection of Animals Act, strengthened and updated the provisions of that Act, and consolidated and updated several other pieces of animal welfare legislation. In addition, the Act introduced a new offence of failing to ensure the welfare of an animal.

Any person responsible for an animal must ensure that five specific needs of the animal are met: (a) its need for a suitable environment, (b) its need for a suitable diet, (c) its need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, (d) any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and (e) its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease. The Act also made it an offence to dock the whole or any part of a dog's tail, unless that dog is a certified working dog of not more than five days old. Anyone found guilty of offences under the Act could be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or given a prison sentence. The Animal Welfare Act also provides for secondary legislation and codes of practice to be introduced to further promote the welfare of animals. The Government has already introduced codes of practice for the welfare of dogs, cats, horses and primates and is continuing to review other areas where similar updates could be made. European animal welfare legislation is based on the recognition that all animals, from pets to farm animals, are sentient beings – i.e. they have powers of perception and feeling.

A legally binding protocol attached to the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam recognised animals as "sentient beings" and this recognition was strengthened in the Lisbon Treaty of 2009 which included animal sentience as an Article in the main body of the Treaty. The 1998 EU Council Directive 98/58 on the protection of animals kept for farming purposes set out minimum common standards of protection for animals of all species, including fish, reptiles, or amphibians, kept for the production of food, wool, skin, fur, or for other farming purposes. The Directive was transposed into UK law via the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000 (amended 2007). Although the Community legislation lays down only minimum standards, the EC has said that national governments "may adopt more stringent rules provided they are compatible with the provisions of the Treaty." Specific rules continue to apply to laying hens, calves, pigs and broilers. In 2006 the European Commission presented its first Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals which mapped out the Commission's planned animal welfare initiatives for 2006-2010.

The EU subsequently published a new Animal Welfare strategy for 2012-2015, which lays the foundation for improving welfare standards during that period and aims to ensure the same high standards are applied and enforced in all EU countries. According to the EU, the new strategy has “important implications” in that it seeks to improve how Europe’s 2 billion chickens, egg-laying hens and turkeys, and 300 million cows, pigs, goats and sheep, are housed, fed, transported and slaughtered. In additiona, it covers animals used for experimentation (about 12 million per year) and animals living in zoos. However, several animal welfare organisations and individuals remain concerned that animals in other parts of the world do not have the same kind of legislative protection and are supporting a campaign, organised by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), to secure a commitment at the United Nations for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW). The UDAW would be an international agreement that animals are sentient beings, that animal welfare needs must be respected and that animal cruelty must end.

The campaign is reported to have over two million supporters worldwide and the WSPA believes that securing such a commitment at the UN would create the required pressure for governments to put in place firm laws and enforcement for animal welfare. Controversies Animal welfare and animal rights seem to attract more controversy than almost any other issues, one of the most obvious examples being the antithetical views of vegans and livestock farmers. Vegans believe that animals are intelligent creatures capable of feeling pain and are "not ours to eat". They oppose the use of all animal products and claim that vegan or vegetarian diets are more healthy and nutritious. They also believe that rearing animals for food is bad for the environment and inefficient and suggest that world food shortages could be solved by farming crops rather than animals. However, vegans and vegetarians are still in a minority in the UK and the demand for meat and dairy products shows little sign of diminishing. Nevertheless there is a growing interest in the way food is produced and the treatment of animals in that process.

This has been largely a response to disturbing reports about the cruel treatment of animals in 'factory farming' - one of the most controversial and emotive issues - where the maximum number of animals are crammed into the minimum amount of space, unable to move freely, denied any kind of normal life and reduced to nothing more than products on a factory production line. Horrific reports of hens trapped in tiny wire cages piled one on top of another forced unnaturally to lay the maximum amount of eggs; thousands of chickens crammed into one small shed, fattened up quickly to obtain the maximum amount of chicken meat; breeding pigs kept in small metal crates etc., have all resulted in more consumers calling for ethically-sourced products, a cause taken up by celebrity chefs such as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jamie Oliver. Relentless campaigning by animal welfare organisations has had some success. The entire European Union is phasing out battery cages by 2012 and several Directives have been issued for adoption by member states in relation to improving the welfare of calves, chickens and pigs, with provision for further measures to be introduced in the future. Proposals for large-scale dairy farms are also opposed.

Following a year of intense campaigning by groups and individuals, a plan for a 3,770 cow 'mega dairy' in Nocton, Lincolnshire was finally withdrawn in February 2011 after objections were raised by the Environment Agency. Farmers, however, are adamant that animal welfare is a priority for them. The National Farmers Union has said that factory farming "is not normal" in the UK and suggests that the Red Tractor assurance scheme, launched in 2000 to raise standards right across the food chain, is "a proven indicator of good animal welfare compliance." The Red Tractor kitemark now appears on billions of packs of meat, poultry and dairy products and is intended to reassure consumers that these products have been produced to the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental protection. Another highly emotive and controversial issue is animal experimentation, whether that involves testing cosmetics and household products on animals, or using animals in medical research. Opponents believe that it is ethically unacceptable for animals to suffer physical or psychological pain during these tests. They also argue that because of the differences between humans and other animal species, test results can be misleading.

The Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research claims that "in some instances, reliance on inaccurate animal 'models' of human disease have undoubtedly delayed medical progress." Proponents, however, insist that animal research has played, and is continuing to play, a vital role in treating and preventing many illnesses and diseases once thought incurable. Nevertheless, research is continuing into finding new ways to further promote the 3Rs scheme – to "reduce, refine and replace" the use of animals in research. The fur trade is another cause of concern for animal welfare supporters. Although fur farming is banned in the UK, fur products can still be sold here. However, fur coats are no longer the must-have fashion item they once were following an intensive anti-fur campaign by animal welfare groups. Many high-profile celebrities and fashion designers have rejected fur and several stores now refuse to stock fur products. Nevertheless the fur trade appears to be thriving, with several international designers still featuring fur in their collections.

The British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) believes that "wild or farmed, fur is a natural, renewable and sustainable resource that is kind to the environment and respectful of animals’ welfare." The BFTA is a member of the International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) which claims to "promote strict codes of practice that meet or exceed established and accepted animal welfare standards for wild and farmed fur." Both the BFTA and IFTF "strongly condemn cruelty to animals and do not trade in endangered species." But Animal Defenders International claims that animals raised on fur farms or trapped in the wild are subject to "very cruel methods". According to ADI, "what is of paramount concern to the fur farmers is not the welfare of the animals, but the preservation of their fur and through these methods, although incredibly painful for the animals, the fur is kept intact." And despite the BFTA and IFTF insisting that they "strongly condemn trade in endangered species", the ADI remains concerned that threatened species are being illegally poached and traded for their skins, contributing to the extinction of species such as tigers, leopards and ocelots.

These concerns are shared by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the charity believes that the internet has created new challenges in the fight against trade in endangered species. The IFWA is calling for "robust domestic legislation" and an international action plan to tackle illegal wildlife trade on the internet. Several organisations are also campaigning for a complete ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, arguing that the conditions in which the animals are kept, the training techniques to which they are subjected, and the tricks they are forced to perform, are demeaning, cruel and inappropriate for animals of this kind. Following a public consultation exercise in 2010 with animal welfare organisations and the circus industry, the Government decided against a ban, and instead published a "tough new licensing scheme" in May 2011, which Defra said would ensure that any circuses in England wishing to show wild animals "will need to demonstrate that they meet high animal welfare standards" before they are granted a licence to keep those animals. However, this failed to satisfy campaigners and in June 2011 a backbench business debate tabled by a Conservative MP, which had cross-party support, resulted in a unanimous vote in favour of a ban.

Consequently MPs and campaigners are now pressing the Government to reconsider its decision in light of the vote and introduce a ban some time next year. Animal welfare organisations are equally concerned about domestic wild animals which are often regarded as pests or predators by farmers and land owners. Badger culling to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis is one of the main controversies. Bovine TB is a major problem for farmers, but a recent long-term review has concluded that culling is ineffective and suggests vaccination is a better long-term solution. This view is supported by the Badger Trust which believes that the way forward is an injectable and/or an oral vaccine for badgers and also ideally a vaccine for cattle. Deer stalking, fox snaring and the trapping of wild birds and mammals are all equally controversial and fiercely opposed by animal welfare organisations. But the British Association for Shooting and Conservation argues that pest and predator control is a necessary and integral part of conservation and wildlife management.

However, the BASC also stresses that "it is the responsibility of all those involved in pest and predator control to ensure their methods are legal, humane and carried out with sensitivity and respect for other countryside users." Domestic pets, in particular dogs, are often the subject of controversy, the most recent being 'handbag dogs' and 'status dogs'. The current fashion started by 'celebrities' for carrying bichon frise, chihuahuas, shih tzus and other tiny dogs in handbags has been strongly criticised by animal charities who warn that the dogs' ability to behave normally is being restricted, which can in turn lead to behavioural problems. According to The Blue Cross, the number of miniature dogs given up or abandoned has more than tripled in the past five years. So-called 'status dogs' such as Rottweillers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are bought to give their owners a tougher image; they are also used for dog fighting and to intimidate other people. In addition to concerns about human safety, the RSPCA reports that these 'status dogs' often suffer violence at the hands of their owners and are forced to take part in fights which result in the dogs sustaining serious injuries.

The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG) and Lord Redesdale criticised the Government for what they saw as its part in the ongoing problem of ‘status dogs’ by making them appeal to those wishing to intimidate others and rebel against the existing law. Lord Redesdale said: “Banning the Pit Bull Terrier in 1991 was a huge mistake. Creating a picture to the general public that certain breeds of dog are dangerous and others not is hugely irresponsible." Statistics On average every 30 seconds someone in England and Wales dials 0300 1234 999 - the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty line - for help. Our inspectors now investigate more than 150,000 complaints of cruelty and neglect every year. There are 900 million animals killed in food production in the UK every year. Source: RSPCA – 2012 Quotes “The EU’s new Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals for 2012–2015 represents an important step toward further improving the EU’s already high welfare standards and practices. “The Strategy’s success depends on the efforts and cooperation of farmers, officials and consumers throughout Europe.

Everyone is responsible.” EU – 2012 “IFAW believes in the intrinsic value of animals and that we have a responsibility to protect them from suffering and commercial exploitation." IFAW – 2013 “Our mission is to bring about the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.” Dogs Trust – 2013 The Dogs Trust The Dogs Trust A Royal Legacy For centuries the British Royal Family has been renowned for its adoration of dogs. Portraits of the British Monarchy are highly likely to include one of their beloved dogs posing proudly with their royal owners from Prince Albert's Greyhounds to the current Queen's Corgis. The Queen opens Dogs Trust West Calder As one of the countries most famous dog lovers it was a considerable honour when Queen Elizabeth II agreed to become a patron of Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, in 1990. Dogs Trust, founded in 1891, (formerly the National Canine Defence League) cares for around 16,000 dogs every year at its nationwide network of 18 rehoming centres across the UK and one in Dublin.

Over 120 years later, Dogs Trust is now one of the country's leading animal welfare charities and continues to pursue its goals with determination. The charity invests in campaigns to reduce the number of stray, unwanted and abandoned dogs by promoting neutering, microchipping, and investing in education programmes to reach the dog owners of tomorrow. In 1994 Queen Elizabeth II in her official capacity as Patron opened Dogs Trust West Calder, the first Dogs Trust rehoming centre to open in Scotland. During her visit, Queen Elizabeth II was given a guided tour of the centre by Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin. She enjoyed meeting with staff and engaging with a number of the centre's four-legged homeless residents. Dogs Trust West Calder soon began taking on homeless dogs and has rehomed over 700 dogs a year since it opened. Following the success of the centre a second rehoming centre was opened in Glasgow in 2006. In 2009 the Princess Royal, on behalf of the Queen, officially opened Dogs Trust Snetterton.

In June 2012 Dogs Trust will open its 18th UK rehoming centre, in Loughborough, to coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Dogs Trust will commemorate the occasion by planting a special Jubilee garden at the centre of over 250 plants which have been carefully selected because of their name association with the Royal Family. The Garden will contain special commemorative plaques listing the names of all the Corgis the Queen has owned in her lifetime We hope that this garden will delight dog lovers visiting the centre for many years to come and will be a particularly special reminder of the monarch's love for dogs. In 2003 the Queen awarded Dogs Trust CEO, Clarissa Baldwin an OBE for her work to improve animal welfare. Clarissa has been CEO since 1986, having joined the charity in 1974 as Head of Public Relations. Her long-term goal is to ensure that all dogs, regardless of breeding, have access to loving homes and are treated fairly and humanely. Clarissa created the slogan "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas" 34 years ago this year.

Clarissa Baldwin - A giant of animal welfare Clarissa explains: "We are extremely privileged to have enjoyed the patronage of the Queen for over two decades. It was a real highlight in the history of Dogs Trust when she officially opened our West Calder Rehoming Centre. Her love of dogs is undeniable and it was wonderful to be able to witness this first hand when she was introduced to the homeless hounds in our care. We hope that in the coming years we will get the opportunity to introduce her to much more of the work that we do and to show her some of the state-of-the-art rehoming facilities that we have opened in recent years." « Dogs Trust - Pet Charities Pet Charities Dogs Trust Head Office: 0207 837 0006 In 1981 a charity called the ‘National Canine Defence League’ was formed, and although it did undergo a name change, its mission has remained the same to this day: to try and ensure that every dog can enjoy a happy life, and a life that’s free from destruction.

The renamed ‘Dogs Trust’ holds the record for being the largest dog welfare charity in the UK, and can care for up to 16,000 dogs every year, from all over the country. The charity’s work can be divided up into these main areas: Rehoming: There are now 18 rehoming centres owned and run by the dogs trust across the country, which all operate to the same motto: no healthy dog will ever be destroyed. You can find your nearest rehoming centre through the website at , where you will also find all the information you’ll need if you are interested in rehoming a dog through the charity. Animal Care: The charity’s staff operate three main projects. The first gives subsidised neutering programs across the UK, predominately in areas with a high level of stray dog problems. On a different note, there is the ‘Freedom Project’, offering fostering to dogs whose owners are affected by domestic violence, while the ‘Hope Project’ covers dogs belonging to the homeless, offering them preventative care. Education and Reform: The Dogs Trust offer best practice training to those working in animal welfare, and animal welfare charities overseas.

Education officers also put together classroom teaching resources for schools in the UK, and give a large number of presentations to students each year. Such is the charity’s reputation, that it is also in the position to advise the government if needed on issues relating to dog ownership. Online: The Dogs Trust runs and updates a comprehensive website aimed at dog lovers, dog owners, and anyone thinking of getting a dog as a pet. You can find out about different breeds, training dogs, health issues, and a lot more. There is also an online shop where you can buy a range of dog related products to help support the charity, and there are also details of dog friendly holidays you can take in the UK. Just like any charity though, the Dogs Trust depends on the support and generosity of volunteers and fundraisers to help them carry out all this work. Anyone wanting to help can make a one-off donation, sponsor a dog currently homed at the centre, or there are plenty of opportunities to organise, or take part in sport/challenge style events all over the country. Last but by no means least, there is also a membership scheme, which offers multiple benefits to dog owners.

So all in all, The Dogs Trust helps not just stray and abandoned dogs, but your own furry friends as well. For the A to Z of all things canine, and to find out more, make sure you pay a visit to the Dogs Trust website or look out for the charity at local events. Leave a Reply Top 50 Pet Charities of 2014 Top 50 Pet Charities of 2014 Posted by Takeshi Young on Monday December 29, 2014 Share on: 'Tis the Season of Giving, and as we reflect back on the year 2014 we here at EntirelyPets want to recognize the people and organizations who have gone out of their way to look after the welfare of our furry friends. This year we want to recognize 50 outstanding pet charities for their work in helping to improve the lives of cats, dogs, and other animals, along with their human caretakers. All animal charities are deserving of praise, of course, but these 50 charities have been recommended by our fans and customers and are ones we feel deserve special recognition for their contributions to the lives of pets & pet owners.

Without further ado, we present the Top 50 Pet Charities of 2014. Location: Freeport, Florida Founded: 2007 Mission: To serve the Emerald Coast as: the premier no-kill refuge, providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need; a full-service animal adoption center; and a peaceful, proactive animal welfare advocate through educational outreach and community programs. Alley Cat Allies Location: United States Founded: 1990 Mission: To transform and develop communities to protect and improve the lives of cats.Alley Cat Allies is an advocacy group that is dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of all cats, including feral cats which they help out through their innovative Trap-Neuter-Release program. Based out of Bethesda, Maryland, Alley Cat Allies helps advocate and promote humane care for cats across the country. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Location: United States Founded: 1866 Mission: To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or ASPCA, founded in 1866, is one of the oldest pet charities in the Western hemisphere.

They believe that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment from humans, and should be protected under the law. To this end they work nationally to rescue abused animals and advocate for the passing of humane laws. Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Location: Contra Costa County, California Founded: 1991 Mission: To create a world where every loving dog and cat has a home, where every lonely person has a companion animal, and where children learn to care.Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation has a very interesting story. Tony, then Manager of the Oakland A's came across a stray during a game between Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees. Tony captured the stray, and looked to place it in a local shelter, but found that there was not a single no-kill shelter in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. That event inspired Tony and his wife Elaine to create the ARF to find homes for abandoned animals and help control pet overpopulation through spaying & neutering programs. Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County Location: Montgomery County, Maryland Founded: 2005 Mission: The AWLMC operates and maintains a no-kill cat shelter in Montgomery County, MD.

Since 2005 we have completed over 1,000 cat adoptions. Our homey adoption friendly shelter is located in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. We moved into this location in 2011 and modified the interior to have 5 group rooms for the cats and allow space for floor cats to roam throughout the building. We have cat trees at every window and large climbing trees in the central areas. We added an outside storage shed on the property. We utilize all of the building to make the cats in our care safe and comfortable, and to offer potential adopters space to meet the purrfect cat for their household. Bald Is Beautiful Dog Rescue Location: Greenville, South Carolina Founded: 2010 Mission: Bald Is Beautiful Hairless and Small Breed Rescue, Inc. is a national 501c3 non profit organization. We are an independent rescue whose members- all volunteers- have over 25 years of combined experience in the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs in need.

Our membersï¿½ reasons for being in rescue are varied from being compassionate lifetime dog lovers to having bought that ï¿½cute little puppy in the windowï¿½ only to have our hearts broken when they became ill from being born to sick mothers kept in deplorable conditions. Or when we sadly discovered that the ï¿½home raisedï¿½ pups were, in reality, puppy mill puppies. Whatever brought us to BisB, we stay because we have seen our hard work and dedication pay off in changing the lives of so many deserving dogs. Best Friends Animal Society Location: United States Founded: 1984 Mission: To end shelter killing and Save Them All.The Best Friends Animal Society has the ambitious goal of ending shelter killing and finding home for all the abandoned animals in America. Every year over 4 million homeless pets are killed in American shelters, and Best Friends works to prevent this as much as possible by helping to make animal adoption easier and promoting spaying & neutering programs to reduce the number of animals entering the nation's shelters.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue Location: Florida Founded: 2006 Mission: Big Dog Ranch Rescue is a leader in the national animal welfare movement, through compassionate, innovative rescue practices and transformative educational programs. Our goal is to give the gift of life to as many dogs as humanly possible, enrich the lives of those who adopt them, and in doing so, help create a better world. Blind Cat Rescue Location: North Carolina Founded: 2005 Mission: Blind Cat Rescue was started in 2005 to serve as a safe place for blind cats that were deemed not adoptable by regular shelters. In 2011 we built a building to provide a safe sanctuary for FELV+ & FIV+ cats. We will accept an animal into our sanctuary IF we have space available. Blind cats must be certified by a vet as blind. Cats with 20% or less sight are accepted as blind. All cats must be fixed.

Canine Companions For Independence Location: Santa Rosa, California Founded: 1975 Mission: Headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, Canine Companions is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs, and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. The result is a life full of increased independence and loving companionship. Canine Estates Location: Florida Founded: 1992 Mission: "Canine Estates, Inc. is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned, abused and injured dogs primarily from high kill shelters. We rehabilitate them, have them vaccinated, spayed or neutered. Our vision is to find loving homes for each dog. Citizens for Animal Protection Location: Houston, Texas Founded: 1972 Mission: Citizens for Animal Protection is a non-profit organization, founded in 1972, which shelters, rescues and places homeless animals for adoption with loving families. CAP advocates respect and compassion for animal life and provides humane education to help prevent cruelty to animals.

Common Sense for Animals Location: New Jersey Founded: 1990 Mission: To promote animal welfare through education and community service.Common Sense for Animals is a great organization that seeks to improve animal welfare through various educational programs. The group hosts a number of innovative educational outreach efforts such as providing educational tours to groups such as scouts, 4-H clubs, and Mom's clubs as well as hosting kid's parties to educate people about animal welfare. D.E.L.T.A. Rescue Location: California Founded: 1979 Mission: To serve as the largest no-kill, care-for-life sanctuary in the world.D.E.L.T.A. Rescue is the largest animal sanctuary and no-kill shelter of its kind in the world, housing over 1,500 abandoned animals in its facilities in Southern California. Founded by Leo Grillo, 115-acre mountain top ranch is a haven for animals previously lacked a home. Dogs Trust Location: United Kingdom Founded: 1891 Mission: To work towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.Dogs Trust (formerly known as the National Canine Defence League) is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK.

The organization helps over 16,000 dogs a year through its network of rehoming centers, and they also help subsidize the cost of neutering pets and have educational programs across thousands of classrooms to educate students in the responsible care of dogs and pets. Dumb Friends League (DDFL) Location: Colorado Founded: 1910 Mission: To provide shelter and care for animals, provide programs and services that enhance the bond between animals and people, and serve as advocates for animals, speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.The Dumb Friends League has a long history, having been founded in 1910. Back then, the term "dumb" had a different meaning than it does today, and was used to refer to animals because they lacked the power of speech. Headquartered in Denver, the purpose of DDFL is to speak for those animals who cannot speak themselves through advocacy and educational programs. Fences For Fido Location: Oregon Founded: 2009 Mission: We create safer and improved conditions for chained dogs by providing shelter, veterinary care, and spay and neutering services when necessary.

We work to educate families on how to best care for their four-legged family members during the heat of the summer and the cold, wet winter months. With more than 800 dogs already unchained since May 2009, the mission of Fences For Fido continues. With generous help from our volunteers and donors, FFF hopes to share many more success stories. Friends of Animals Location: United States Founded: 1957 Mission: To cultivate a respectful view of nonhuman animals, free-living and domestic and free animals from cruelty and institutionalized exploitation around the world.Friends of Animals is a nationwide organization that advocates for animal rights issues across the US. In addition to supporting spaying & neutering programs for pets, the organization also looks after the welfare of fur-bearing animals and has a Wildlife Law Program to help animal and environmental activists to defend the rights of animals across the country. FurKid Rescue Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Founded: 2008 Mission: Fur Kid Rescue is a small, private home-based rescue located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

We officially started our organized rescue efforts in the Spring of 2008, but have been rescuing and working with other rescue groups and local shelters for over 5 years. Golden Gate Basset Rescue (GGBR) Location: Northen California Founded: 2005 Mission: To rescue Basset Hounds from abusive, abandoned and unwanted situationsGolden Gate Basset Rescue is an organization dedicated to the protection and adoption of basset hounds all throughout Northern California. Originally founded under the Northern California Basset Hound Club, GGBR works to rescue and place dogs as far south as Monterey and as far north as the Oregon border of California. Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Location: United States Founded: 2010 Mission: To rescue, raise, train and then donating medical service/assistance dogs to mentally and/or physically impaired individuals to provide assistance, independence and improve the quality of life of both the recipient and the dog.Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is an amazing organization that helps both people and dogs. Guardian Angels works to train and pair dogs with people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other disabilities.

Through the dog pairing program, Guardian Angels helps to reduce suicide attempts and alcohol dependence for people suffering from mental disabilities, and creates a lifelong friendship between the dogs and their partners. Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind Location: United States Founded: 1946 Mission: To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or with other special needs.The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind is another great organization that helps both people and pets. The Guide Dog Foundation helps to improve the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired by providing guide dogs and training, free of charge, to people in need. The Guide Dog Foundation provides small classes and individualized instruction to help the visually impaired and their dogs work together as team and promote independence. Helping Our Pets Everyday (HOPE) Location: Upland, California Founded: 1999 Mission: Formed by the desire to save lives, and as advocates for all canine and feline animals, guided in the spirit of being the caretakers of Godï¿½s creatures, stewards to young people through example and leadership, entrusted with educating the public on spaying and neutering, empowered through volunteer dedication, and committed in our mission to make a difference.

Homeward Bound Dog Rescue Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota Founded: 1991 Mission: We are dedicated to the sheltering and fostering of homeless and unwanted animals. In addition, we take pride in the fact that we are a no-kill rescue and placement program that does not euthanize our animals if they are not adopted within a certain length of time. Homeward Bound has been in existence since 1991 and has rescued well over 12,800 dogs, cats, and other animals. Homeward Bound promotes responsible adoption and care of companion animals. We seek out well matched permanent homes for our loving and deserving animals. Humane Society Location: United States Founded: 1954 Mission: Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty.The Humane Society of the United States is the country's largest animal protection organization, working to improve the welfare of not just pets but of animals across the country. The organization engages in animal rescue & care, animal advocacy to help pass animal friendly legislation, and operates and partners with a network of pet and animal shelters across the country to provide care for abandoned pets and animals.

Italian Greyhound Club of America Rescue Location: United States Founded: 1954 Mission: To re-home Italian Greyhounds that have been abandoned at animal shelters, taken from abusive homes or surrendered to rescue due to the death or divorce of the former owner.The Italian Greyhound Club of America is an organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Italian Greyhounds across the country, and the IGCA Rescue is a re-homing service for Italian Greyhounds that have become abandoned or homeless due to various circumstances. Italian Greyhounds are placed in foster homes of volunteers of the IGCA, spayed & neutered, cared for, and re-homed with new, responsible owners. Kitten Associates Location: Newtown, Connecticut Founded: 2006 Mission: Kitten Associates is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the welfare of cats & kittens in high-risk situations. We rescue and place in our foster care network cats and kittens at high risk of dying either because they're in overcrowded high-kill shelters or from dangerous situations where they're abandoned strays living outdoors.

Leave No Paws Behind Location: United States Founded: 2011 Mission: Leave No Paws Behind is an all breed rescue, specializing in seniors and pets with special needs. When possible we step up, most times in the ï¿½11thï¿½ hour when all hope is gone, to help save the lives of those that are in most danger of being left behind to die on a cold shelter floor. LNPB provides hospice care, comfort, love and a safe haven for the terminally ill and the hard core cases and we try to assure that no senior animal is left to die alone wondering. Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation (LDCRF) Location: United States Founded: 2001 Mission: To rescue abandoned or displaced dogs and cats from the threat of euthanasia in over-crowded shelters or other at-risk situations and places them for adoption into loving homes.The Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation has the noble goal of preventing animals from being euthanized in shelters around the country. To this end, they rescue abandoned and displaced dogs & cats over-crowded shelters where they risk being euthanized, and look for proper and caring homes for the animals.

The LDCRF ensures that all of the pets they save are spayed & neutered and fully vaccinated before finding caring homes for the rescued animals. National Cat Protection Society Location: Southern California Founded: 1968 Mission: To serve as a non-profit, no-kill cat shelter servicing Southern California.The National Cat Protection Society (or NatCat for short) was founded by Richard Calore, a veteran of World War II who was inspired by a stray cat that kept him company while he was stuck in a French foxhole in the dead of winter. Inspired by his feline friend, he started NatCat on his return to the States, the organization serves as a safe haven for cats and kittens in the Southern California region, and also serves to educate people on the humane treatment of cats.

New Beginnings Animal Shelter (NBAS) Location: Ohio Founded: 2003 Mission: To rescue, rehabilitate and place domestic animals into stable homes, educate the public about the responsibilities of pet ownership in an attempt to alleviate the problem of unwanted pets, and build public awareness about the human-animal bond and its benefits to societyNew Beginnings Animal Shelter is a pet shelter based in Ohio, with the purpose of rehabilitating lost and abandoned animals and finding a place for them in responsible and caring homes. NBAS is a no-kill animal shelter that does not participate in euthanasia except in cases of animals who have no chance of leading a quality life. The organization works through a foster home system, and is completely self-funded through donors and receives no assistance from the government. North Shore Animal League America Location: United States Founded: 1944 Mission: To build our hands-on rescue, rehabilitation and adoption efforts to save the lives of as many companion animals as possible - one at a time - and promote education to increase shelter adoptions, reduce animal cruelty and advance the highest standards in animal welfare.The North Shore Animal League America is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the US.

Since 1944 the charity has worked to rescue and rehabilitate animals across the country, and works tirelessly to increase adoptions and reduce animal cruelty and euthanasia. Old Dog Haven (ODH) Location: Western Washington Founded: 2004 Mission: To use a network of foster homes to provide a loving safe home for abandoned senior dogs.Old Dog Haven is a charitable organization with the goal of finding homes for senior dogs in the Western Washington region of the US. ODH does this not through a shelter, but by taking in homeless dogs into foster homes and helping with the placement of the senior dogs. ODH also helps pet owners find new homes for their senior dogs through their website and through referrals. Patriot PAWS Location: United States Founded: 2006 Mission: To train and provide service dogs of their highest quality at no cost to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence.Patriot PAWS is an organization dedicated to helping American veterans by providing them with service dogs at no cost. The organization does this by helping to train service dogs and pairing them with veterans in need of assistance.

Pets for the Elderly Location: United States Founded: 1992 Mission: To help pay the fees to participating animal shelters throughout the United States for senior citizens (age 60 and over) who adopt a companion dog or cat from a participating shelter.One of the most serious conditions that older people suffer from is loneliness. Pets for the Elderly is a non-profit charity that helps to combat this illness by providing elderly people with pet companions at a discounted cost. Pets for the Elderly works with 52 participating shelters in 29 states to provide elderly people around the country with new companions. Paw Placement Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Founded: 2002 Mission: To reduce euthanasia of homeless cats and dogs through rescue, adoption and education about responsible pet guardianship. PAWS Humane Society Location: Winnebago County, Illinois Founded: 1988 Mission: To promote, support, and provide for the humane treatment and welfare of animals in Winnebago County and the surrounding areas. We work towards a day when there is a home for every pet and domestic animals are no longer euthanized simply because they have no home.

PetSmart Charities Location: North America Founded: 1988 Mission: To find a lifelong, loving home for every pet.PetSmart Charities is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of homeless pets across North America. The organization works with other welfare groups across the US and Canada to help homeless pets find new homes, and also provides spaying and neutering services to reduce the number of homeless strays. The organization also helps to rescue pets with over 1,300 adoption centers across North America. PugSavers Location: Northern California Founded: 2002 Mission: To rescue any pug or pug mix, regardless of age, temperament or health, and provide health care and treatment for all dogs who come into our rescue.Everybody loves pugs, and PugSavers makes it its mission to rescue any pug or pug mix in the Northern California area. The organization rescues pugs from local shelters, provides care for them, and helps in finding "forever homes" for their charges. Additionally, PugSavers participates in advocacy for pugs as well as educating the general public about the breed, and working with other organizations who share their values.

RedRover Location: United States Founded: 1987 Mission: To bring animals out of crisis and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education.RedRover (formerly known as United Animal Nations) is an organization dedicated to helping animals in crisis and providing them with care. To this end, the charity cares for animals displaced by natural disasters or rescued from bad situations, and provides financial assistance to pets that need urgent medical help. Save-A-Pet Location: Lake County, Illinois Founded: 1994 Mission: Save-A-Pet is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and one of the largest no-kill cat and dog rescues in Lake County that operates a full-time adoption center. We provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, injured, lost, or animals that have escaped euthanasia. We will never put a limit on the amount of care we will provide for an animal and we never give up on them. Thus, Save-A-Pet offers rescued dogs and cats the greatest opportunity for a second chance.

We take great pride in practicing our no-kill mission and in stewarding our donorsï¿½ contributions; both of which have led to the successful adoption of over 40,000 dogs and cats. Search Dogs Foundation (SDF) Location: United States Founded: 1996 Mission: Strengthening Disaster Response in America.Search Dogs Foundation is an amazing organization that works to help both animals and people. The group takes shelter dogs and provides them with a home within the organization, training them to serve as emergency response dogs. The dogs then help people as first-responders in man made and natural disasters, helping to find and rescue people trapped under debris and rubble. Siamese Cat Rescue Center Location: Virginia Founded: 1998 Mission: To help Siamese and Siamese mixed cats find new homes. These cats come to us from a wide variety of situations. We try to get to know these cats, focusing on their health and their behavior, match them with families that are comfortable with any issues that they may have, and then transport them home.

The Cat Network Location: South Florida Founded: 1995 Mission: To help homeless cats in South Florida by getting out the word of the importance of spay/neuter and finding homes for adoptable cats and kittens.The Cat Network is a pet charity based in South Florida that is working to reduce the overpopulation of stray cats in the region through spaying & neutering and various educational programs, as well as helping feral cats through its sterilization, vaccination, and release program. The London Sanctuary Location: Florida Founded: 2010 Mission: The London Sanctuary (TLS) focuses on providing a safe haven for elderly and unwanted Dalmatians, as well as other at-risk, large to medium-sized breeds, as space and funds permit. Special consideration is given to hounds of all types, which are also greatly at risk in northeast Florida. The Sato Project Mission: The Sato Project is dedicated to rescuing abused and abandoned dogs from Puerto Rico. Underdog Rescue Location: St. Louis Park, Minnesota Founded: 2000 Mission: Underdog Rescue and Placement was founded in 2000 by Shannon McKenzie.

Having volunteered for several other animal rescue organizations, Shannon saw a need to help the dogs and cats often overlooked by other rescuers, the ï¿½Underdogsï¿½. Warrior Canine Connection Location: Brookeville, Maryland Founded: 2008 Mission: Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes clinically based Canine Connection Therapy to help wounded Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other. Welcome Home Dog Rescue Location: Buena Park, California Founded: 2013 Mission: What truly matters to us, is that we make a difference in the lives of abused, neglected and homeless dogs. To help reduce the number of dogs in shelters, Welcome Home Dog Rescue offers rescue and adoption services specific to the adopterï¿½s needs and lifestyles so that both ends of the leash can find a happy home together.

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) Creature comfort: Why London's first dogs' home was met with howls of derision | The Independent Creature comfort: Why London's first dogs' home was met with howls of derision Thursday 12 August 2010 23:00 BST Click to follow Creature comfort: Why London's first dogs' home was met with howls of derision 1/3 3/3 Getty Images When we read about pets today, it's as likely to be privileged, pampered pooches in Gucci carriers as those who have been abandoned or harmed. We are, we are told, a nation of dog lovers. We own about eight million of them in Britain; they're our best friends. It was not always thus. In the 1800s, a dog's life was – for all but the lucky few – nasty, brutish and short. Dogs were liable to be beaten or shot on sight by park keepers and police. During frequent rabies outbreaks, public fear of stray dogs increased, leaving any slightly wild-looking creature open to stoning in the streets.

If they were in good health, they might be pitted against each other at organised dogfights or used to pull carts around towns, practices which weren't banned until 1835 and 1854 respectively (and then not always very firmly enforced). But the Victorian era saw public opinion about animals shift, albeit slowly. On a wave of sentimentalism, an appetite grew for touching tales about wagging tails: pamphlets, poems and books about devoted dogs such as Gelert or Greyfriars Bobby became popular, and there was a trend for animal autobiography – novels written in first-person voices by anthropomorphised canines and other creatures. Black Beauty in 1877, and Beautiful Joe in 1893, were two of the most successful. In 1859, the first official dog show was held in Newcastle, and they were widespread by the time the showman Charles Cruft organised the first in his name at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington in 1891. Dogs were becoming pets, part of the family, while Queen Victoria herself – often photographed with a mutt in frame – helped to popularise the notion of them as "man's best friend".

In science, too, attitudes to animals were changing. Vivisection was a ferociously debated topic, while Charles Darwin, who spent his life with a succession of trusty dogs, did much to promote the notion that animals deserved human kindness. He even grounded his controversial theory of natural selection by comparing nature to a picky dog-breeder, bringing "evolutionary theory right to the hearth rug of the Victorian home", as Emma Townshend writes in her book Darwin's Dogs. The 19th century also saw the origins of the animal-rights movement. The trail was blazed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, formed in a coffee shop in 1824 – although it didn't acquire its "Royal" until 1840 – by a group of men including the anti-slavery activist William Wilberforce. One of the RSPCA's members went on to found the world's first successful animal sanctuary, the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The institution both responded to and influenced the British public's attitude towards animal welfare during its early years.

Mary Tealby, who had separated from her husband and moved to London in 1860, first resolved to found a "canine asylum" after the death of a starving dog she had attempted to nurse back to health. Struck by the plight of London's strays, she established the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs in a stable in an Islington mews. "Mary Tealby attacked the project with amazing energy," says Garry Jenkins, the author of A Home of Their Own, a history of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. And he suggests that Tealby was exemplary of another important development within Victorian society – the increasing social engagement of women, leading the way with humanitarian and charitable work. "Mary Tealby reflected the mood of the times – and particularly the mood of women at the time," Jenkins explains. "Frances Power Cobbe almost single-handedly popularised the anti-vivisection movement, and Octavia Hill campaigned for open spaces and eventually established the National Trust. Women didn't have the vote, yet they were very socially active. There was definitely something afoot – a kind of charitable fever." Even so, Tealby's pet project didn't always have an easy time of it.

"Its first decade was a real struggle – they had financial problems, unscrupulous staff, court cases brought by neighbours troubled by the noise," reveals Jenkins. The home was also roundly mocked by elements of the press. The Times launched a scathing attack on 18 October 1860. While praising advances in animal welfare, it scorned the home as a step too far: "From the sublime to the ridiculous – from the reasonable inspirations of humanity to the fantastic exhibitions of ridiculous sentimentalism – there is but a single step... When we hear of a 'Home for Dogs', we venture to doubt if the originators and supporters of such an institution have not taken leave of their sober senses." However, there were Victorian heavyweights ready to pledge their support. One of the most prominent was Charles Dickens. He published a piece in the magazine All the Year Round in 1862 about the home, calling it an "extraordinary monument of the remarkable affection with which the English people regard the race of dogs".

His sentimental prose gave the home a much-needed seal of approval: "It is the kind of institution which a very sensitive person who has suffered acutely from witnessing the misery of a starving animal would wish for, without imagining for a moment that it would ever seriously exist. It does seriously exist, though." Dickens wasn't the only renowned writer to lend their literary voice to the plight of animals. For the 100th anniversary of the RSPCA, Thomas Hardy penned them an ode, entitled Compassion: "Cries still are heard in secret nooks/ Till hushed with gag or slit or thud... But here, in battlings, patient, slow/ Much has been won – more, maybe than we know". By the end of the 19th century, animal charities were no longer the subject of ridicule. The Kennel Club was founded in 1873, and Frances Power Cobbe set up the Society for the Protection of Animals Liable to Vivisection in 1875.

The National Canine Defence League was founded in 1891, while 1903 saw a Swedish countess, Emily Augusta Louise Lind-af-Hageby, establish the Animal Defence and Anti-Vivisection Society in London. The home founded by Tealby had moved to Battersea and expanded in 1871, and in 1885, Queen Victoria became its patron. Britain was leading the way in animal welfare. "Battersea's early period was pretty much when the British Empire was at its peak, the golden era of Victorian Britain, and we were leading the world in all sorts of areas – and we were richer than we'd ever been, meaning we had money to spend on dogs," Jenkins says. "Other homes did pop up, as did cats' homes. There were homes opened in America, Germany, and France, whose owners would come to Battersea to see how it was done." Many subsequent homes and organisations benefited from the legal precedents that Battersea established. "The basic principles that they had to fight for, legally – such as the right to rehome unclaimed dogs – became the bedrock for animal homes, and remain a standard today," Jenkins says.

Their pioneering of humane euthanasia methods in 1883, their enshrined anti-vivisection policy of 1884, and the opening of a free, drop-in veterinary clinic in 1912 were all groundbreaking in their time. The state of our animal homes, and the number of creatures abandoned, in many ways reflect shifts in our society. While the opinions aired in early newspaper editorials – that humans are surely more deserving of charity than animals – are still issues today (think of the huge donations to, and backlash against, a Devonshire donkey sanctuary that in 2006 was receiving more money from the public than Women's Aid, Eaves and Refuge combined), the way we treat animals is nonetheless often indicative of the state of our society. "Battersea has always held up a mirror to society, and our evolving attitudes to animals," Jenkins says. "And the home always reflects good times and bad times.

If you drew a graph of the amount of dogs coming to the home, you could tie the numbers with economic and sociological changes." So the World Wars saw a huge increase in dogs brought in to be euthanised – some 400,000 pets were put down by panicked owners in 1939. The Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s saw an increase in strays, as the economic climate meant owners struggled to feed pets and pay for their licences. Another blip occurred in the 1970s, with the advent of high-rise flats – suddenly, people living in council housing weren't allowed to keep dogs. In recent years, there's been a troubling rise in abandoned "status" dogs, often trained to be violent, such as Staffordshire bull terriers. The current economic squeeze has also prompted an increase in unwanted dogs – and a decrease in donations. When times get tight, pets aren't always a priority. But while times may change, the principles behind many animal charities remain the same.

Tealby's pledge that no dog or cat should ever be "refused admittance" is reflected in Battersea's current mission statement: "to do whatever it takes to make sure we never turn away a dog or cat that needs our help". With multimillion-pound budgets, today's animal homes may be a far cry from a humble stable tended by a sentimental dog-loving lady, but the compassion and affection felt by the Victorians for animals still underpins charities' work today. 'A Home of Their Own' by Garry Jenkins (Bantam Press, £16.99). To order a copy for the special price of £15.29 (free P&P), call Independent Books Direct on 08430 600 030, or visit More about:

Question: The animal welfare charity The National Canine Defence League changed its name to what?
Answer: Dogs’ Trust