Appeal launched to help Serbian dogs survive the winter

WITH temperatures set to plummet to minus 30 in Serbia, a local animal charity has launched up their winter appeal to help hundreds of the country’s homeless dogs have a cosy, warm dinner this Christmas.

The ‘Animal Support Trust’, spear-headed by Lynda Hill from Omagh, hope that by supplying good food to the dogs who reside in Ub Pound, Serbia, they will be able to withstand the harsh climate, and make it through to the springtime.

With a target set at £1,500, Lynda says that even a donation of £1 would ‘mean the world’ to the dogs, who will most-likely live their entire lives at the crowded pound, which this year has seen its population rise from 150 furry residents to around 200.

“A dog in good condition will be able to withstand the weather so much better than a thinner one,” Lynda explained. “Each winter, the workers on the ground at the pound aim to cook the dogs as many warm high protein meals as possible, mixing it in with their daily kibble, to both warm them up and give them extra substance.

“If they can get a lovely warm meal, even just for Christmas, then they would know they are not forgotten and that someone somewhere cares about them.

“Already a few warm dinner donations have started to come in and I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone,” Lynda added. “Over the years, we have seen some awful sights involving animal welfare, but what I have also seen is the kindness shown by many good people. No matter how much it is, I will always be grateful for every penny that helps change the life of an animal in need.”

To further help the struggling dogs survive winter, the Animal Support Trust recently gifted the Ub Pound with 10 large kennels for extra shelter; veterinary supplies; and hundreds of blankets, beds, coats, toys and more.

• If you would like to buy a dog a warm dinner, please send a donation via PayPal to info@animalsupporttrust.com or leave a donation at Canine Care after Friday, December 11 when the charity reopen.