Dogs Trust and Purina PetCare Europe have joined forces with three new initiatives to support animal welfare charities across Europe.
The partnership between Dogs Trust Worldwide, an affiliated organisation with Dogs Trust, and Purina Europe, will see the pet care firm sponsor the 23rd edition of the International Companion Animal Welfare Conference (ICAWC), being held in Cyprus on October 3-5. The conference will bring together hundreds of animal charity workers from across the globe to participate in workshops and hear from speakers discussing all areas of companion animal welfare.
The second initiative sees the creation of a European Training Programme, to be held online in September. Designed to aid development for regional organisations, the programme will provide interactive courses on animal welfare, with discussions on subjects from population management and veterinary protocols to social media and fundraising.
In addition, the partnership will also offer financial support for European charities to implement projects through a Champions Fund, which provides the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to £10,000 to support facility improvements and expansions.
Dogs Trust chief executive Owen Sharp said: “Thanks to our partnership with Purina, we are able to offer a variety of ways for charities across Europe to improve animal welfare, progress their organisations and implement projects. Through ICAWC and the European Training Programme, charities have the opportunity to learn from leaders in pet welfare and enhance their support to animals and pet-owners in their communities or be awarded a grant to accomplish a project which will make a real difference to help their organisation thrive.”
Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe chief executive Jeff Hamilton added: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Dogs Trust to support animal welfare charities across Europe. At Purina, we are committed to improving the lives of pets and the people who love them, and we believe that by working together with Dogs Trust, we can make a meaningful impact on animal welfare across the region.”
For more information about the European Training Programme and Champions Fund, and to register to attend the International Companion Animal Welfare Conference, visit www.dogstrustworldwide.com.
