As a local charity based on the north coast, Causeway Coast Dog Rescue has been established for over twenty years serving local communities by rescuing and rehoming unwanted dogs.  Developed by a local lady, Maggie Dimsdale-Bobby, Maggie has been rescuing and rehoming dogs since she was in her teens by helping local neighbours with their animals and saving dogs from local council kennels,

“As any charity located in Northern Ireland, we are all totally reliant on donations from public.” states chairman Maggie. 

She continued, “To be proactive in other ways to develop the charity, we have established a relationship with Battersea Dog and Cats Home in London; become a full member of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes UK and Ireland, now liaising with all other dog rescue charities in the country, and is the main Lobbyer for the improvement of Animal Welfare In Northern Ireland as we work to raise the profile all over the UK and Ireland.  In addition, CCDR has been developing relationships with local businesses to look at ways of mutual support.

“Now close to one million dogs in Northern Ireland, between 12 and 13million in the UK, there are over 2000 unwanted dogs shipped to England each year by councils with the aim of finding homes. 

“There are over seventy animal support charities registered in N.Ireland and the many thousands of dogs surrendered each year, all must be rehomed within the country. This is becoming an increasingly difficult task, with the cost of living, and the realisation of the 15-year commitment each dog takes when brought into the family, many people are unable to commit past their first few weeks and end up surrendering.

“In addition, the reports of abuse and neglect is on the rise, along with illegal breeding. CCDR is appealing to public and businesses who witness and experience this, to please report to their local animal welfare office, numbers can be reached from your local council.” 

However, it’s not all doom and gloom, Causeway Coast Dog Rescue has continued to develop relationships with local businesses in the local area. Some of these can be just as simple as showing the charity’s local collection boxes, to holding quizzes and competitions as well as securing long term legacy funds.  CCDR supports every opportunity provided as a member of the Causeway Chamber of Commerce to raise much needed donations, especially as plans are to develop a centre and create future jobs and with over 27k followers on social media it is a great way to benefit from the profile.   In October last year, CCDR held a conference for local charities and professionals in the animal welfare industry to look at ways to improve animal welfare.  This coming year a second conference will be held in Stormont, as well as reviewing unique and other opportunities to work with our neighbouring businesses.  Derry and Strabane District Council has recently closed their own kennels and now no longer has any kennelling facilities for stray, seized or surrendered dogs.

Maggie stated, “It is now more important than ever to look at ways of working in partnership and supporting our neighbouring charities and businesses. For more information go to CCDR Facebook / Instagram / X account or email info@causewaycoastdogrescue.org  or just give me a call to have a chat 07595602792.” Thank you for your support.