Naturewatch Foundation, a Cheltenham-based charity, awarded £10,000 to four impactful animal welfare projects in Pakistan, Rwanda, Jamaica, and Bosnia.These projects tackle urgent issues like stray animal care, community animal health, and creating lasting change for animals and residents.
Sarah Carr, CEO, said the grants align with World Animal Day’s mission to advance animal welfare globally.
“We are proud to support four exceptional projects that will help make the world a more compassionate place for animals,” she said.
The funded projects were carefully chosen from the foundation’s extensive network of World Animal Day Ambassadors. These dedicated individuals and organisations work tirelessly throughout the year to protect animals in their home countries.
Every October 4th, Naturewatch Foundation coordinates from Cheltenham, believing small grassroots efforts can create big global change with the right support.
Many of these ambassador-led organisations survive on limited budgets and rely heavily on volunteer work. Without external support, their essential initiatives could remain unfulfilled. By offering these grants, the foundation provides a vital boost to projects that are both practical and urgently needed.
Rabies Prevention in Pakistan
In Pakistan, SAVERS—a student-led veterinary society—will use its share of the grant to vaccinate 250 stray cats and dogs against rabies. The project is a collaborative effort between veterinary students and licensed professionals. It gives students valuable, real-world experience while addressing a deadly disease that impacts both animals and humans.
Rabies is one of the most feared zoonotic diseases, and this effort directly supports the global goal, set by the World Health Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control.
This is to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. SAVERS hopes their example will encourage other animal welfare organisations in Pakistan, proving that local action can have national impact.
Mass Vaccination and Education in Rwanda
In Rwanda, dog-bite related hospitalisations remain a serious concern, with up to 78% of cases requiring professional medical care. The Rwanda Animal Welfare Organisation (RAWO) will use its funding to vaccinate 800 stray dogs and deliver animal welfare education to 2,000 children.
These sessions will cover responsible pet ownership, the basics of dog welfare, and the internationally recognised Five Freedoms.
In addition to the educational work, RAWO will distribute 800 printed resources to dog owners, reinforcing the lessons taught in person.
By pairing mass vaccination with education, the organisation is tackling both the immediate threat of rabies and its long-term prevention. Efforts will focus on high-risk areas such as Nyange, Kinigi, Musanze, and Shingiro—regions where rabies cases are most prevalent.
Mobile Veterinary Services in Jamaica
In Jamaica, the Montego Bay Animal Haven will operate a one-day mobile veterinary clinic in the inner-city areas of Montego Bay. The clinic will offer free or affordable services such as wellness check-ups, vaccinations, and spay and neuter programs for street animals and pets belonging to low-income households.
In one day, five stray animals will be neutered, and over 30 others will receive thorough health checks. By bringing veterinary care to underserved areas, the project helps prevent overpopulation and keeps pets healthier and happier.
Sabria Hector, Managing Director of Montego Bay Animal Haven, expressed her gratitude:
“We are very grateful to be recognised in such a way for our work to change lives, both animal and human. We cannot thank Naturewatch Foundation enough for considering the application and the generosity of the award of the grant.”
Cat Shelter Construction in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the needs of stray cats often go unnoticed despite hundreds requiring urgent assistance. WagWag, a committed grassroots animal welfare group, will use its grant to build a “Cat Hotel” in Banja Luka.
This safe, insulated shelter will house between 20 and 30 stray cats, offering them protection from extreme weather.
The shelter will display boards explaining its purpose and how it benefits animals and the local environment. Volunteers will visit regularly to clean, maintain, and provide food for the cats. This work is especially important in harsh winter months, when street animals face severe challenges in finding warmth and shelter.
Driving Long-Term Change in Animal Welfare
The Naturewatch Foundation’s funding model focuses on empowering small but high-impact initiatives that can deliver lasting results. Updates on these projects will appear on the World Animal Day website, letting supporters track progress and see their impact.
By working with trusted ambassadors, the foundation funds groups that deeply understand communities and can create real, lasting change.This animal welfare charity recognises that sustainable improvement comes from empowering those already embedded in the fight for better animal care.
From rabies prevention in Pakistan and Rwanda to population control in Jamaica and shelter building in Bosnia and Herzegovina, these projects show that targeted animal welfare grants can address a wide range of urgent needs.
The varied locations and challenges faced by these projects highlight one universal truth—animal welfare issues transcend borders. Through collaboration, education, and compassion, organisations like the Naturewatch Foundation are not only improving animal lives but also making communities healthier and more humane for all.