THE BURGESS WETNOSE ANIMAL RESCUE AWARDS 2012 ARE CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS

The Burgess Wetnose Animal Rescue Awards 2012 are calling on the nation to say thank you to all the unsung heroes who are involved in small, independent rescue centres in the UK and overseas, by nominating them for some much deserved recognition and the chance to win a cash donation for their rescue centre.

The star-studded annual awards seek to recognise and raise awareness of the tireless work small rescue centres do in caring for and rehoming abandoned and unwanted animals. The Burgess Wetnose Animal Rescue Awards are urging the general public to nominate their local rescue centre, as a simple thank you for their dedication and continued hard work.

Nominations can be made for a local rescue centre that you feel deserves support and recognition for its dedication to helping the nation’s animals by visiting Wetnose Animal Aid. Rescue Centres can also nominate themselves directly, alternatively you can encourage your local rescue centre to enter and give themselves a pat on their back for their own hard work.

Awards include ‘Best Rescue Centre Story’ and ‘Best Rescue Centre’ for categories such as dogs, cats, small animals (rodents), fibrevores (rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas), horses and donkeys and wildlife. There is also a breed specific category for ‘Best Greyhound Rescue’ as this breed of dog is commonly found in rescue as a result of the racing industry. Each winner receives a trophy and a cash donation towards the on-going cost of running their rescue centre.

The winning rescue centres, judged by a panel that includes representatives from Wetnose Animal Aid, Burgess Pet Care, The London Dog Forum, and celebrity supporters Peter Egan and Marc the Vet, will be invited to a star-studded award ceremony in London in March 2012. Last year’s attendees included Brian May, Martin Clunes, Virginia McKenna, Anthea Turner, Jenny Seagrove, John Altman, Graham Cole, Lorraine Chase and many more.

Andrea Gamby-Boulger, director of Wetnose Animal Aid, says: “In a time of recession in particular, rescue centres are under even more pressure due to an influx of animals and pets that people no longer want, and small independent rescue centres’ vital work often goes unnoticed to that of the better known centres. Many smaller centres lack of fundraising abilities, compared to larger centres often results, and this often results in dedicated individuals going without weekends or holidays to cover the amount of help needed. Many of these Centres have had a drop of 45% in donations over the last 2 years, which means more support is needed for their work to continue.

“The Burgess Wetnose Animal Rescue Awards aim to highlight the work of these passionate individuals, who selflessly devote their time to helping animals in need. Recognition of this hard work can mean the difference between them carrying on and giving up, so it is important to say thank you even just by nominating!”

Naomi Chatterley, marketing manager at Burgess Pet Care, headline sponsors of the awards, said: “We are delighted to sponsor and show our support to the Burgess Wetnose Animal Rescue Awards once again this year. The awards reflect our ethos at Burgess Pet Care perfectly, a dedication to helping and caring for the UK’s pets. We are committed to supporting these smaller, independent rescue centres and have a number of schemes in place specially to help them including our rescue loyalty scheme and a dedicated website to rehome unwanted pets.”

For further information about Burgess Pet Care's rescue food and loyalty scheme call 0800 413 969.

To enter a rescue centre, or to nominate your centre for an award, visit www.wetnoseanimalaid.com and fill in the simple online form, or download it and submit it by post before the closing date of 16/10/2011.