Beagle Welfare's History
Beagle Welfare was founded in 1979, the result of an initiative by the Committee of the Beagle Association. At the time, people in many breeds were becoming concerned about the problem of pedigree dogs flooding general rescue organizations.
It seemed only responsible for breed clubs to take the lead in ‘putting their own house in order’, and in any case, who better to deal with pedigree dogs than those who spend all their lives with them.
Very soon, Beagle Welfare developed an autonomous organization, although it has always maintained close and friendly relations with all the Beagle breed clubs. By 1990 it had an established network of over twenty regional officers and was handling a budget of several thousand pound a year. Accountability to the breed clubs has always been important to the active officers of Beagle Welfare and an Annual Report with audited accounts has been presented every year since it’s birth.
The Charity was Formed..
However, it was felt that Charitable Status would be an advantage, both the Beagle Welfare itself, and a safeguard for the people who generously give money to the organization, and so in 1990 a successful application was made to the charity Commissioners.
Occasionally Beagle Welfare has been called upon to handle more dramatic cases:
- The 'Scottish Puppies', intended for laboratory use but saved when their money-minded owner died - 28 poor little waifs who turned up five days before Christmas.
- Various batches of Welsh ex-puppy farm rejects, often requiring extensive veterinary treatment.
- And most spectacular of all, the 'Perrycroft' Beagles, when Beagle Welfare worked closely with the RSPCA around the country after advising the Headquarters’ team which directed the operation.
One of the high points in Beagle Welfare’s 25 year history came in 1994 when it was awarded the Pet Plan/Dog World prize for Best Breed Rescue. The Trustees attended a lavish celebration in London - with a Welfare Beagle to represent the real heroes of the scheme - and received a large cheque for the funds and a magnificent crystal trophy. This award was a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all the people who had contributed to the growth of the scheme since 1979.