The RSPCA’s Pet Food Bank Partnership – which has a branch in Warrington – is to be rolled out across England to help people struggling to feed themselves and their pets.
The animal welfare charity has provided a staggering 1.6 million pet meals since the scheme was introduced in 2020 as part of a major drive to do everything possible to help keep those facing financial hardship together with their pets.
Among those who have benefited from using the pet food bank scheme is decorated army veteran Mark Smith, 55, of Warrington, who had support to feed his beloved Cavachon dogs Charlie (a therapy dog to help Mark) and Teddy.
Mark, who served in Northern Ireland as a gunner then in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia as a private security contractor, said: “I am in a wheelchair now after a number of incidents including breaking my back during an abseiling incident which have left me injured and I also suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“I have been hit by explosions in Afghanistan and as well as the physical injuries I experienced, serving my country has also had a heavy mental toll on me and I suffer after the experiences of seeing some of my army pals killed in action in Northern Ireland.
“So we got Charlie and he was my therapy dog and was a superstar. If I had flashbacks he would jump on my shoulders and cry until I calmed down and it would bring me round and then we got Teddy as a companion for him.
“Both dogs, who are Cavachons, have benefitted from the food bank but sadly we lost Charlie a few months ago.”
Mark, added: “I used to feel a bit of shame going to get free food but really it isn’t a place where you are judged, everyone is very supportive – and it helps us out and we are grateful for that. I would urge others who are struggling to seek this help and support to help their beloved pets.”
The Pet Food Bank Partnership was set up as a pilot scheme in Lancashire in December 2020 as a result of financial pressures during the pandemic. It was so successful it expanded across the whole of the North of England and now supplies almost 140 foodbanks with meals and also issues veterinary vouchers to referred food bank clients to ensure pets can get any urgent care they need.
Now during 2024 – as the charity celebrates its 200th birthday – the number of established food banks is to expand across the rest of England to help the growing number of pet owners in need of help. Already this year 15,400 dog meals and 27,270 cat meals have been provided to food bank users.
The charity is currently running a Crowdfunder project to support the RSPCA’s Pet Food Bank project. The winner will receive two tickets to see the London West End musical Wicked.
Now – to mark its landmark anniversary year – the RSPCA wants to inspire a one million strong movement for animals to “create a better world for every animal”.
To find out how you can join the RSPCA million-strong movement for animals visit www.rspca.org.uk/200
The Warrington pet food bank is in Tanning Court.
