RSPCA Worcester hosts Novelty Dog Show

RSPCA Worcester and Mid Worcestershire hosted its annual Novelty Dog Show, with dozens of furry friends flocking to the Holdings Rescue Centre in Kempsey.

With rosettes for everything from the waggiest tail to the loveliest lady, there was a chance for all pups to shine.

But aside from the fun, the event serves as a crucial fundraiser for the charity.

Claire Wood, volunteer at the local branch, said: “The dog show tends to be our biggest event of the year.

“All the money raised today will go towards the general running costs of the centre, which are considerable, particularly because intake has been so high and vet bills are through the roof.

“So, it is really important for us to raise as much money as possible.”

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The team at the Holdings Rescue Centre - Emily Cawte, Claire Wood and Dan Spencer (Image: Newsquest)

She added: “This event is incredibly important.

“We fundraise constantly throughout the year but in terms of the scale, nothing compares to this event, it’s the one people most engage with and seem to really look forward to.

“It also lets people know that we’re here, there’s still a lot of people that don’t even know the RSPCA has a branch in Worcester.”

The Worcester and Mid Worcestershire RSPCA branch is self-funded, receiving no money from the national RSPCA charity.

As such, it relies solely on donations and fundraising events.

It has been a busy year for the centre, meaning donations are becoming even more vital.

Mrs Wood added: “We’ve taken in just over 180 animals so far this year which is up from 140 at the same point last year.

“Even today were getting calls, we’ve got someone bringing a cat in later and another one coming in tomorrow.

“It’s just absolutely constant.”

She added: “I definitely think the cost of living has a part to play.

“It’s not just us, every rescue is on its knees.

“There is a factor that people can’t afford to keep their animals and I think there’s still that knock on effect from the pandemic, but the main problem we have is that people aren’t neutering their animals.”

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The Holdings will soon be opening a new kennel, allowing them to take in up to 20 dogs in need (Image: Newsquest)

The Holdings will be getting even busier later this year, with 20 kennels currently being built at the site.

“They’re coming along really nicely so hopefully we’ll be able to start helping dogs as well really soon,” Mrs Wood.

Alongside the dog show, owners could browse the wares being sold by Ginger Cat Crafts.

The not-for-profit company was founded by Jane Fitzgerald in memory of her cat, Ginger, in 2020.

All the money raised is donated to cat rescues across the UK.

Mrs Fitzgerald said: "I think the RSPCA is a great organisation, the local branch works really hard and they struggle financially, so if we can support them we are very happy to do so.

"It's been really busy so far and we're hoping to make a nice big donation to the RSPCA."Jane Fitzgerald, founder of Ginger Cat Crafts (Image: Newsquest)