As we come up to the winter season, families will be reminded of the all-important warning that a dog is for life not just for Christmas coming off the back of the COVID-19 pandemic where an estimated 3.2 million UK households purchased a pet.
Tragically, despite the rising numbers of pets finding new homes during this period, charity Dogs Trust recently announced that they received a 35% increase in calls related to giving up dogs which they welcomed into their home from lockdown.
Based in New Romney and Edenbridge, Last Chance Animal Rescue was founded in 1986 with its aim to rescue and re-home unwanted and abandoned animals. CommunityAd spoke to Trustee Denise Dawes about her wonderful adoption and rescue centre…
When did you first start and what was your initial reason for creating Last Chance Animal Rescue?
Last Chance Animal Rescue Centre was founded in 1986, its aim being to rescue and re-home unwanted and abandoned animals. 20 years ago, I began volunteering initially, and over time became a trustee of the charity as I was so impressed with the work Last Chance does including the care shown to every single animal rescued, the dedication of the staff, volunteers and trustees and the ethics followed. For example, we take dogs and cats of all ages, disabilities, characters and ensure they all receive the finest veterinary treatment no matter what the cost, rehabilitate them and ultimately find them loving homes.
What are your overall aims and goals?
We rescue animals of all types, some waiting destruction in Welsh Pounds, others handed in to us for whatever reason, good or bad. We provide medical care, food, shelter and love for them all and ultimately find them loving homes. If for any reason, things do not work out, we always take them back. We inoculate and worm all our animals and ensure they receive any medical treatment they may require. We also neuter as many of our animals as possible, new owners of any un-neutered animals are bound by agreement to carry out this vital task at the earliest opportunity.
Every eligible dog, cat or rabbit leaves our Rescue Centre with 4 weeks free insurance from a leading company, new owners are then given the opportunity to extend such cover by subscribing to the scheme. Our staff are always available to advise on training or behavioural issues, and are there to assist if needed. We operate a non-destruction policy.
What would you say have been your most memorable moments during your time with Last Chance?
The wonderful feeling one gets each time an animal goes off with their new excited families to the new home and new life. It never fails to make tears come to my eyes. Of course, opening a second centre to save even more needy animals was a great moment too.
Why is it that there are so many dogs that are abandoned, abused and disregarded in the country and how have you been able to help reduce this through Last Chance?
Sadly, we are not able to reduce the numbers of abandoned, abused and neglected animals, but we can help them in their hours of need. We also offer advice to anyone experiencing problems who wish to work through them to keep their pets.
Your Romney centre will be 7 years old in 2022, how has it been in Romney and do you think there will be scope to potentially open a third centre?
Our second centre has been a great success helping us to rescue and find homes for unwanted cats and dogs. The need for our work has never been more in demand and hopefully with the continued support of kind, generous people will be able to open a second kennel block at our New Romney Centre next year!
Can you stress to readers just how important it is for potential owners to use a reputable rescue rather than contacting breeders/puppy farms?
I cannot stress enough how essential it is to take any pet you are unable to care for to a reputable rescue centre, please do not advertise your pet for sale or free to a good home. There are so many disreputable people who will take these animals and you would have absolutely no idea what their fate may be. It makes my blood run cold to think about it.
How has the last 20 months been for you during the pandemic?
Very hard, but all our animals have been really well cared for by our wonderful staff. We are now seeing a big rise in numbers needing our help, so it seems we have a busy time ahead.
For readers looking to potentially donate or enquire to volunteer how can they?
We welcome volunteers and of course donations too! There are so many ways you can do either or both. You may be able to give some of your time dog walking, cat cuddling, helping with general chores, driving, handy work etc at the centres or maybe you could foster for us, become a fundraiser or become a home checker, we especially need home checkers right now.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by visiting the centres, using our online secure donate button, phone to make a card donation or by putting a cheque in the post. We are always happy to hear from you, our contact details are:
Last Chance Animal Rescue Hartfield Road, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5NH – 01732 865530;
Last Chance Animal Rescue Ashford Road, New Romney, Kent TN28 8TH – 01797 366620.
Do you have a 5–10-year vision for Last Chance?
Our vision is to carry on the lifesaving work and help more needy animals.