The kennels are always very grateful for any donations from members of the public of dog food or treats to help feed their charges, especially over the Christmas period.

They would also welcome any donations of blankets or towels to keep the dogs warm and dry during the damp wintry days.

If you are interested in finding out more or helping the Friends of Abandoned Dogs, you can contact the kennels on 01268 770402.

You can also take your donations direct to them at Acres Way Kennels, Great Burches Road, Thundersley.

Each year the RSPCA and other animal welfare organisations are inundated with pets that are abandoned, dumped or left to fend for themselves while their owners go away.

In addition to this, rescue centres also have to deal with people handing in animals that have been given as unwanted gifts.

During the past year, there have been many articles in the newspapers about pets being abandoned or handed over to re-homing centres.

As well as the numerous cats and dogs that are looking for homes, horse welfare charities have reported a rise in the number of horses that have been abandoned or handed over to them, which has left these animal welfare organisations struggling to cover the cost of caring for them.

So, if after taking into account the initial cost and ongoing expenses of owning an animal you still want to get one, why not leave getting your pet until the New Year, when all the Christmas excitement has died down?

This way you will have time to help your new pet settle in. Better still, there are many lovable, unwanted or abandoned animals being cared for by animal welfare organisations, why not consider giving one of these animals a new home?

The puss in boots appeal was started after a cat was seriously injured by a car last December. The silver tabby was hit by a car on the London Rd in Westcliff on Sea and taken to a vet by a passing cyclist. The cat- christened Puss in boots by staff- was then handed into our care at The Essex South and Southend RSPCA. 

As the local branch of the RSPCA, we receive no funding from head office. Veterinary bills & boarding fees must all be paid for locally from charitable funds. By the end of last year, the bill for Puss in Boots had come to around £1500. Unfortunately this bill is set to rise as by the start of February the vets had decided that the best action for the cat’s full recovery was to amputate the injured leg.

As a charity, we have found fundraising in this tough economical climate a real challenge and with such pressure on us financially,  we felt that Puss in Boots needed her very own appeal.  Puss still has a long way to go before making a full recovery but with your kindness and generosity, we will be able to clear this huge vet bill and bring her back to full health.

If you would like to donate to the Puss in Boots appeal or to the local branch please send cheques made payable to RSPCA Essex South and Southend Branch.

All cheques should be sent to:
Fundraising Department
128a High Street
Rayleigh
Essex SS6 7BU

If you would like more information on fundraising or donating for the local branch please call Lyndsey on 07883 433598.

Cat Re-homing: 01268 752875     Dog Re-homing: 07749 175023

However, the owner of Crofters, Gill Lewis has urged anyone who might be considering adopting one of the cats – or any pet – to think carefully about the commitment they are making.

She said: “We have many cats and kittens which desperately require re-homing, they need calm and quiet homes with patient owners who are willing to give them a happy, safe and secure environment.

We receive many calls from people who are unable to keep their pets for various reasons and want us to help re-home them.

Cats and kittens make cute, adorable presents, but the reality of owning and caring for them can prove too much for some people. It is a sad fact that some pets bought with the best intentions are abandoned after Christmas.”
Rochford District Council’s Member Champion for Animal Welfare, Councillor Mrs Mavis Webster encouraged anyone who might want to own a pet to think carefully before they got one.

She said: “With Christmas just around the corner, and people thinking about pets as presents I urge anyone considering getting a pet at this or at anytime, to think very carefully about it.

It is more important to take the time to really consider what it is to own a pet and how much time, money and commitment it really takes. Please can I ask you to take a pet from a rescue centre as there are so many dogs, cats and other animals who have found themselves homeless or abandoned. You could not ask for a better Christmas present than the unconditional love of an animal.”

If you are serious about re-homing and can make any of the abandoned cats a part of your family please ring 07769676853. Even if you are unable to adopt one of the pets, you can still help by donating blankets, food or money.

All the cats have had health checks and will be neutered and vaccinated. Crofters are very grateful to the RSPCA Southend branch and Rochford and Castlepoint Cats Protection League who have provided vet care, food and care for the cats.

In 2009, Rochford District Council was the first local authority in England and Wales to achieve a silver level award from the RSPCA for animal welfare, and a silver award for its handling of stray dogs. The Council has once again won in these categories in the 2010 awards.

The awards aim to reward and promote good practice in animal welfare by local authorities and housing providers in England and Wales.

They recognise organisations that have gone above and beyond their basic service requirements to ensure higher animal welfare standards.

Rochford District Council’s Member Champion for Animal Welfare, Councillor Mrs Mavis Webster, said: “I am so pleased that Rochford District Council has once again received these awards from the RSPCA. It is a testament to all the hard work that officers are continuing to carry out to ensure that standards of animal welfare are maintained to a high level.”

The awards are split into four categories and the Council have won awards in two of them; the Animal Welfare Principles Footprint and the Stray Dogs footprint.

The Animal Welfare Principles Footprint includes the provision of a written policy on animal welfare – our Animal Welfare Charter – and examples of good practice sharing. Additional requirements include website links and information, and adoption of higher welfare policies with regard to food procurement.

The Stray Dogs Footprint covers the policies and procedures that should ensure stray dog welfare is protected from collection to conclusion, including kennelling, both during and out of office hours, as well as swift treatment of injured and sick dogs. It also focuses on proactive work to educate the public and preventative measures to reduce long-term straying.

However, it is important to remember your furry and fourlegged family members need special attention so they can enjoy the festivities as well.

New people, a change in routine and a busier household can be unsettling for your pets. Here are the RSPCA’s tips for helping your creatures keep their comfort this season.

Whilst many animal lovers will be familiar with the message that pets are for life and not just for Christmas, sadly that isn’t the case for everyone.

Every year, the RSPCA is inundated with unwanted animals who are either signed over to the charity or even abandoned when the burden to look after them becomes too much.

The novelty can soon wear off when a dog needs walking in the rain or a cat, rabbit or Guinea pig needs expensive veterinary treatment. The Society therefore advises potential owners to carefully consider their decision before bringing a pet home.

If you are prepared to make the lifelong commitment, you will be rewarded with the unique pleasure that comes with looking after a pet.  The RSPCA has thousands of animals looking for new homes so visit your local branch to find out
more.

Whilst we may overindulge on mince pies and pile on a few pounds after the festive season, it’s important to make sure your pet still eats a proper diet and gets regular exercise.

Pet obesity can lead to serious health repercussions such as joint problems, breathing difficulties, diabetes, impaired liver function and even premature death.  Although it is hard to resist the pleading eyes of your pet, the best Christmas present you can give is time not treats.

Dogs should also never be given chocolate as it contains a poison, which can be fatal. Special chocolate drops for dogs are available from most retailers. Also avoid giving your dog the bones from your roast dinner as they can be a choking hazard.

Aim to keep your dog’s exercise regime consistent. If your pet is getting less exercise, try to reduce its food intake a little.

New sights, sounds and smells can unsettle your pet so try to give them a little extra attention throughout the season. Set aside a separate quiet area for your pet to rest in, especially if you are having a party.

If you are going away for the Christmas period, ask a friend or relative to look after your pet or take them to a reputable kennel or cattery. Alternatively, if you are staying in the UK, choose an animal-friendly destination and take your pet with you.

If you are thinking of buying a present for your pet then consider getting them microchipped. This will save heartache if they were to stray or get stolen and many owners have been happily reunited with their pet that has become separated from them thanks to the little chip that is no larger than a grain of rice.

For more information go to www.rspca.org.uk

The event was in honour of the two RSPCA awards recently won by the Council. It is the first local authority in England and Wales to achieve a silver level award from the RSPCA for animal welfare. The Council has also been awarded a silver award for its handling of stray dogs.

Member Champion for Animal Welfare Councillor Mrs Mavis Webster said “These awards are a huge honour for the Council. They are testament to all the hard work that officers have carried out to ensure that standards of animal welfare are maintained to a high level.

“Council officers involved in animal welfare work extremely hard, for example, our dog warden does a superb job in ensuring lost dogs are reunited with their owners and any stray dogs are rehomed as soon as possible.”

The Council has won awards in two of the categories; the Animal Welfare Principles Footprint and the Stray Dogs footprint.

The Animal Welfare Principles Footprint includes the provision of a written policy on animal welfare – the Animal Welfare Charter – and examples of good practice sharing. Additional requirements include website links and information, and adoption of higher welfare policies with regard to food procurement.

The Stray Dogs Footprint covers the policies and procedures that should ensure stray dog welfare is protected from collection to conclusion, including kennelling, both during and out of office hours, as well as swift treatment of injured and sick dogs. It also focuses on proactive work to educate the public and preventative measures to reduce long-term straying.

The Community Animal Welfare Footprints awards aim to reward and promote good practice in animal welfare by local authorities and housing providers in England and Wales.

They recognise organisations that have gone above and beyond their basic service requirements to ensure higher animal welfare standards.

Councillor Mrs Mavis Webster, Member Champion for Animal Welfare said “I am so pleased that Rochford District Council has received these awards from the RSPCA. It is a testament to all the hard work that officers have carried out to ensure that standards of animal welfare are maintained to a high level”.

The awards are split into four categories and the Council have won awards in two of the categories; the Animal Welfare Principles Footprint and the Stray Dogs footprint.

The Animal Welfare Principles Footprint includes the provision of a written policy on animal welfare – our Animal Welfare Charter – and examples of good practice sharing. Additional requirements include website links and information, and adoption of higher welfare policies with regard to food procurement.

The Stray Dogs Footprint covers the policies and procedures that should ensure stray dog welfare is protected from collection to conclusion, including kennelling, both during and out of office hours, as well as swift treatment of injured and sick dogs. It also focuses on proactive work to educate the public and preventative measures to reduce long-term straying.

There’s no need to worry about the calories though, as the only chips on offer are those that help reunite lost or stray dogs with their owners.

The Dogs Trust chip van has been touring the length and breadth of the country to promote the benefits of microchipping to politicians. The charity estimates that just a third of dogs are currently microchipped and wants to see the Control of Dogs Order amended to make microchipping compulsory alongside the current law stating that all dogs must wear a collar and tag.

Councillor Mrs Mavis Webster the Member Champion for Animal Welfare said:
“I fully support Dogs Trust’s campaign to introduce compulsory microchipping. This will lead to a reduction of unidentified strays on the streets and also reduce the unnecessary destruction of pet dogs which go missing every year”.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and firmly believes the most effective and humane way of reducing stray dog numbers in the long term is through microchipping, alongside education and neutering. Last year microchips helped reunite 15% of strays with their owners – with compulsory microchipping the charity estimates that upwards of 50% could be reunited.

Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin explains:
“Nearly 97,000 stray dogs were taken in by local councils in the UK last year; 6,710 of which were put to sleep, many because they could not be reunited with their owners. We urgently want to see these figures decrease and believe that microchipping can aid this process”.

Responsible dog owners can get their pet chipped at their local vets for an average cost of £20-£30. Alternatively, contact Acres Way Kennels on 01268 770402, where the Council has negotiated a discounted price of £15 for micro chipping dogs and cats belonging to Rochford District Council residents.

Dog microchipping is also available through Dogs Trust who will microchip all dogs by appointment at any of their rehoming centres for a reduced cost of £10 and £5 for those on means tested benefits. This is a small cost for the security of knowing that should a dog stray the chances of him being reunited with his owners will significantly increase.