An urgent appeal from Judge Ted

Yesterday the chancellor announed ￡750m would be provided to frontline charities. This is an extremely welcome development, particularly as charities have seen donations drop considerably.

However no central funding is provided to animal charities. They too have seen a decline in donations yet an increasingly sharp increase in the number of animals dumped at shelters and sanctuaries. Whilst there is no evidence to suggest the coronavirus can be passed from pets to people concerns about this will inevitably lead to yet more animals being discarded.

Whether you are into animals or not I have always looked at animal shelters and sanctuaries as compassionate organisations basically left to deal with animal cruelty, neglect and sometimes bad luck when, for example, someone dies and there is nobody to look after their pet. In other words to clean up our messes. They do therefore in my view provide a valuable and much needed public service. 

Whilst times are uncertain and extremely hard for many I would ask that you consider making a donation to your local animal shelter. We are fortunate in my area to have a number. For example Raystede in Ringmer, RSPCA Patcham (which is self funding) and the Dogs Trust in Shoreham. For those of you not around Brighton & Hove I am sure you have equally deserving places. 

I have been fortunate to have had a large number of rescue animals over the years from these organisations or ones like them. To give an animal a second chance at a home is extremely rewarding and I would encourage anyone to adopt. 

The current crisis has seen so many examples of compassion and people coming together so lets include our furry friends.