Charity gives grant to stop roadside sale of animals in Malawi

Cheltenham, Gloucester. August 31, 2022: Naturewatch Foundation has awarded the 2022 World Animal Day grant to a Malawi-based charity, Lilongwe Society for Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA), for their important work in ending the roadside sales of animals across the country.

Operating out of Cheltenham, Naturewatch Foundation coordinates World Animal Day globally every year on October 4, offering an annual grants programme open to their ambassadors. This year’s winners were chosen as their project aims to save hundreds of animals sold in cruel conditions, whilst also protecting public health in Malawi.

The sale of animals along the roadside in Malawi is a significant and growing problem, with hundreds of puppies and kittens being sold prematurely and often in very poor health. Kept away from their parents for whole days at a time, the young animals are held or strung up from trees in bags to display them to passersby. Many of the animals sadly are also carrying zoonotic and preventable diseases, such as rabies, and the LSPCA has recognised the dangers and cruelty of this practice, aiming to put a stop to the sales in 12 months using the 2022 World Animal Day grant.

Sarah Carr, CEO of Naturewatch Foundation and Coordinator of World Animal Day said: “Naturewatch Foundation is delighted to coordinate World Animal Day and make available a competitive grant open to our 97 wonderful voluntary ambassadors of the day. The work of these ambassadors, such as at the LSPCA, shows that World Animal Day isn’t just a hashtag but a real opportunity for us all to help and celebrate animals and make a difference to their lives.”

This ambitious plan is also a comprehensive one and the LSPCA will be working closely with the Malawi police service, local authorities, and the government to confiscate animals and prosecute offenders. The charity hopes that these actions will disincentivise others from joining this cruel trade. The funding received will also be used to create awareness among the Lilongwe community, share pro-adoption messaging, and provide a mechanism to allow confiscated animals to be treated and re-homed. Following the grant allocation, the LSPCA is expecting to begin work immediately.

Naturewatch Foundation is delighted to give this grant to such a deserving project as just one part of their 2022 World Animal Day coordination efforts. The day itself takes place on October 4, providing an opportunity for animal advocacy around the world as organisations, schools, individuals, and more hold events to commemorate this celebratory day for animals. 

To find out more about World Animal Day, visit: https://www.worldanimalday.org.uk/