The Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has received a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to expand its Pet Parcel Scheme across Northern Ireland. The initiative provides essential supplies to struggling pet owners through food banks, preventing them from having to surrender their animals due to financial hardship.
The charity distributes nearly 8,000 pet parcels annually, containing food, blankets, basic care items and toys. The scheme has operated for over 10 years, supporting vulnerable owners who face difficult choices between feeding themselves and caring for their pets.
Lifeline for struggling owners
Donna Whitten, who runs a food bank in Portadown, Co Armagh, described the partnership as vital for communities across Northern Ireland. «We help a wide range of people in great need,» she said.
She highlighted specific cases the service has helped. «Recently this has included a lady struggling on benefits who visits the food bank every week to feed her pets, and a gentleman struggling with mental health issues, who was close to surrendering his dog before discovering the food bank, and was brought to tears by the help that was available.»
«Without the support of USPCA, people would have no choice but to surrender their beloved animals at a time when they need them most,» Whitten explained. «Quite simply, they are a lifeline.»
Emotional support during hardship
Heather Weir, USPCA chief executive, emphasized the emotional significance of pets for isolated individuals. «Our message this Christmas remains that pets are a lifelong commitment, definitely not presents. But providing essentials as a preventative measure to people feeling forced to surrender a much-loved companion simply because they're struggling with day-to-day costs is a very different situation,» she said.
«We are a nation of animal lovers and our pets offer emotional stability when life becomes challenging,» Weir added. «They give us a routine, companionship and a sense of purpose, which can be especially important for people facing loneliness, financial stress, mental health difficulties or social isolation.»
She noted that many elderly people will spend Christmas alone with their pets. «Many will be sitting alone on Christmas Day with their cat or dog, and the bond that they are able to share on what can be an emotional day can make all the difference.»
The National Lottery Community Fund has invested nearly £90 million over the past 10 years in 900 projects across Northern Ireland tackling loneliness and isolation. Kate Beggs, the fund's Northern Ireland director, said: «We're proud to support organisations which are working hard to provide real connections within our society, whether it's bringing people together in celebration around the holidays, providing much-needed support for families in crisis or ensuring that people are able to rely on the comfort and company they gain from their treasured furry companions.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
