March animal lover launches shoe box appeal to collect goodies for abandoned dogs

An animal lover has made an appeal for Christmas shoeboxes to give treats to dogs in council pounds and kennels this festive season.

Emma Chapman has already collected 74 boxes from the local area but wants to get the number of boxes filled with goodies up to 100.

Emma, a dog foster volunteer With Fenland-based Ravenswood Pet Rescue, is taking part in a national drive to raise awareness and goodies for Team Poundie, a national charity that says a culture of backyard breeding has led to an over-population of animals who are abandoned, mistreated or neglected.

Emma said: “I am working with Team Poundie and we are aiming to get 1,800 shoes boxes nationally to dogs in pounds and kennels across the country for Christmas.

“Personally I have had 74 donated to date and would love to get to 100.

“As well as trying to get as many shoe boxes full as I can, I am also asking for blankets, beds, usable collars, leads or donations of food. “These babies really have nothing.”

A spokesman for Team Poundie said: “There is a massive problem in this country with back yard breeders. Our vision for the future is to contribute to helping the over-population of dogs in this country by being able to be in a financial position to neuter, spey and vaccinate and microchip the dogs before they go to rescue.

“It then helps the rescues as the financial burden is lessened on them and they can in turn help more dogs.

“Educating people to adopt “thrown away” over-bred poor dogs, lessens the requirement to buy dogs that have been bred for greed.

“We campaign for dogs and educate people on the terrible situation that has arisen from over breeding and non neutering of dogs.

“They are sad, broken, very often very poorly, cruelly treated ,scared to death.”

• To support Team Poundie you can buy a calendar for £6.95 including postage. Visit their website for details.

• Please drop shoeboxes filled with treats to Emma at 80 Upwell Road, March. Deadline November 16.