Renowned dog photographer donates to Kennel Club Charitable Trust Emergency Relief Initiative to support UK dog organisations amid Covid-19 pandemic

Anna Szabó, a well-known dog photographer from Hungary, has donated proceedings from a recent dog photoshoot to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, in a bid to help fight against the tragic effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Anna, who fought the disease earlier this year and has since made a full recovery, is supporting the emergency relief initiative founded by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT) in April to help those charities and organisations who make a difference for dogs yet are facing ongoing financial and operational struggles due to the pandemic. Her much-appreciated contribution means that the KCCT can help more organisations and ensure the safety, health and happiness of dogs in need in the UK.

Anna is a passionate dog photographer and proud dog lover, visiting dozens of dog shows every year. This year she was commissioned to take the cover photographs for the daily catalogues at Crufts 2020 and, in 2019 she won the Pawscars Photographer of the Year. She credits the UK with giving her many interesting career opportunities and lovely memories throughout the years she has been involved with the dog world.

Anna said about the donation: “I decided to organise photography projects in Sweden, with help from my friends in the dog world there, to raise funds so that I can give something back to dogs.  I am a great admirer of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust’s work and its dedication to abandoned and sick dogs, the work they do with rehoming charities and also the many health projects they support. Its work makes the dog world a much better place and I hope my donation inspires others to help those in need.”

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust Emergency Relief Initiative was set up to support canine organisations suffering financially or unable to continue their work as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The KCCT received numerous applications which were all carefully considered and 30 organisations were recognised as those which most urgently needed the help.

Recipients of funds include Kennel Club Charitable Trust breed rescue organisations, as well as general smaller animal and dog rescues like Tag Pet Rescue in Margate or K-9 Rescue and Remedy in East Sussex. The organisations have used the funding to cover veterinary bills for dogs in their care, pay for food and kennels and cover transport fees.

Revd. Bill King, Chairman of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust said: “We are very grateful for Anna Szabo’s donation as well as all other contributions we received through our website and our appeal in Our Dog’s newspaper.

“So far the Kennel Club Charitable Trust Emergency Relief Initiative fund supported by Our Dogs has awarded more than £90,000 in grants to various dog rescue charities. Seeing those important organisations - which work very hard to save lives of dogs every day and give many dogs second chance at life - face difficulties during the pandemic was very difficult. We know how important funding is for those smaller organisations and we hope that support they received through our Emergency Relief Initiative will help them get through these difficult times and keep up their excellent and important work in the future.

“Anna’s donation pushes us nearer to an incredible £100,000 for the fund!  Her generosity of spirit is a wonderful example showing how there are no borders in the world of dogs especially when it comes to canine health and welfare."

There’s more information about some of the organisations which have received KCCT emergency funding and how it’s making a difference for dogs available.

To donate online to the KCCT relief fund and help dogs, volunteers and organisations across the country during this difficult time, visit the Virgin Money Giving website. Alternatively, you can make a donation by text. Simply text ‘KCCT [amount]’ to 70450 to donate the desired amount. For example, if you wish to donate £30, simply text ‘KCCT 30’ to 70450. You will be charged your donation plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about the work of the KCCT and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to make a donation but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text ‘KCCTNOINFO [amount]’ to 70450.