APDAWG Annual Meeting: Addressing the Challenges of UK Dog Rescue

As in previous years, the meeting was fully subscribed, with a full room of representatives from rescue organisations, as well as those who support the sector. 

From ADCH, Chair Giles Webber, Trustee Linda Cantle, and Standards and Operations Officer Clare Radlett were in attendance, as well as a host of ADCH members. It was fantastic to see so many of our members present, contributing to the discussions and taking time out of their busy schedules to attend. 

The meeting focused on the current state of UK dog rescue and the ongoing challenges facing the sector, from the legacy of abandoned pandemic puppies, to a changing shift in dog ownership, to the financial strains of the cost-of-living crisis. Mental health struggles among shelter staff and volunteers were also highlighted as a growing concern. 

What was particularly encouraging was the enthusiasm for collaboration across the sector. Many of the guest speakers were from ADCH member organisations, which underlined the strength of the sector’s shared commitment to improving the welfare of dogs in rescue. 

The guest speakers included: 

• Becky Thwaites, from Blue Cross, who discussed the work and success of the Cut the Chase Coalition. There was a special mention and applause for Vanessa Waddon from Hope Rescue, who was in the room. 

• Christina Marriott, from Jerry Green Rescue who talked about the rescue’s 50% increase in requests for help from the communities they serve. 

• Tara Cunningham, from Causeway Coast Dog Rescue talked about her work to bring together all of the authorities in Northern Ireland who impact dog welfare 

• Lizzy Brown, from German Shepherd Rescue Elite focussed on the impact of stray dogs on the rescue sector, accountability in dog ownership and the rescue’s work to focus on those with no current home at all 

• And Jenna Miller, from Spirit of the Dog Rescue who covered the rise of the “pop up rescue” and “pet peddling”. 

It was wonderful to see so many of our members speaking. 

This event was an excellent opportunity for networking, sharing insights, and discussing ways forward, with many attendees expressing a commitment to working together to tackle these issues. ADCH will continue to support these efforts through our new Strategy, which aims to further foster collaboration in the sector. 

We look forward to continuing to work alongside our members and other rescue organisations to find practical solutions to the ongoing challenges within the UK rescue sector.