Cheltenham-Based Charity Awards £10,000 to Four Global Animal Welfare Projects
Cheltenham, August 11, 2025 – Naturewatch Foundation, a leading animal welfare charity based in Cheltenham, has announced the distribution of £10,000 in grants to support four impactful projects addressing urgent animal welfare issues around the world. The funding will benefit initiatives in Pakistan, Rwanda, Jamaica, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, each focused on reducing suffering, improving public health, and promoting lasting change for both animals and communities.
The charity, known for its dedication to improving animal welfare globally, selected the four projects based on their alignment with the World Animal Day mission of creating a kinder world for animals. “We are proud to support these amazing projects that will make a difference in the lives of animals around the world,” says Sarah Carr, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation.
Rabies Vaccinations in Pakistan
A portion of the grant will go towards supporting SAVERS, a student-led veterinary society in Pakistan, in their effort to vaccinate 250 stray cats and dogs against rabies. The campaign, a collaboration between veterinary students and qualified professionals, will not only provide students with valuable hands-on experience but also help combat a fatal disease that poses a significant risk to both animals and humans.
This project aligns with the global goal of eliminating human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, as set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control. SAVERS hopes that their efforts will serve as an example for other animal welfare organizations in Pakistan to take necessary action.
Mass Vaccination and Education in Rwanda
In Rwanda, where up to 78% of human hospitalizations are due to dog bites, the Rwanda Animal Welfare Organisation (RAWO) will use the grant to vaccinate 800 stray dogs and educate 2,000 children on responsible pet care, dog welfare, and the Five Freedoms. The project will also distribute 800 educational leaflets to existing dog owners.
By combining mass vaccination with an education program, RAWO aims to address both the cause and effect of rabies outbreaks. The targeted regions include Nyange, Kinigi, Musanze, and Shingiro, where the highest number of rabies cases have been reported.
Street Animal Clinic in Jamaica
The grant will also fund a one-day pop-up clinic by the Montego Bay Animal Haven in the inner-city area of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The clinic will offer spay/neuter services and free or low-cost wellness care, such as examinations and vaccinations, to street animals and pets from low-income households.
The Haven’s goal is to neuter five stray animals and provide wellness checks for at least 30 others. This initiative builds on the organization’s mission to reduce the overpopulation of street animals and help pet owners meet the welfare needs of their beloved companions. Sabria Hector, Managing Director of Montego Bay Animal Haven, expresses her gratitude for the recognition and generous grant from Naturewatch Foundation, saying, “We are very grateful to be recognized for our work to change lives, both animal and human.”
Warm Shelter for Stray Cats in Bosnia and Herzegovina
While support for stray dogs exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, cats are often overlooked, despite there being hundreds in need. With the grant, WagWag, a grassroots animal welfare group, will build a ‘Cat Hotel’ in Banja Luka, a safe and insulated shelter for 20-30 stray cats.
The cat hotel will also feature information boards explaining the need for the project and will be visited by volunteers who will maintain its cleanliness and provide food for the cats. As animals living on the streets face harsh conditions during winters, Naturewatch Foundation hopes that this project will provide a safe haven for vulnerable cats.
A Global Impact
Naturewatch Foundation selected the four organizations from its global network of World Animal Day Ambassadors, who work tirelessly to protect animals in their respective countries throughout the year. The charity, known for coordinating World Animal Day on October 4th from its Cheltenham office, believes that small-scale, grassroots projects can have a significant impact when given the right support.
“Many of our ambassador’s organizations rely on volunteers and limited funding,” explains Sarah Carr, CEO and Campaign Lead for World Animal Day. “Through World Animal Day and our grant program, we are helping to support vital initiatives that might not have been possible otherwise.”
Updates on the grant recipients and their progress will be shared on the World Animal Day website in the coming months.
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