Celebrities to Help Dogs in Romania

Celebrities who have taken audiences on emotional journeys through their performances on stage, screen and through song will soon travel to Romania, using their combined star wattage to illuminate a dark chapter in human/animal relations.

Following the death of a four-year-old boy by feral dogs, an estimated 65,000 street dogs in the capital of Bucharest are now facing their fate due to a decision to cull homeless canines. The new law states that impounded stray and unregistered dogs who are not claimed by a guardian or adopted within a two-week period will be killed.

Teaming up with Wetnose Animal Aid and Norton Animal Rescue Foundation, in February 2014 the following animal-loving luminaries plan to chronicle not only the horror and heartbreak of the situation for a documentary, but also the hope of those who are striving to save the dogs:

• • A celebrity ambassador for Wetnose Animal Aid, in late September actor Peter Egan (who Downton Abbey fans will know for his role as Hugh “Shrimpy” MacClare) joined the organization’s founders Gavin and Andrea Gamby-Boulger at a London demonstration against the canine killings. The upcoming trip to Romania will be Egan’s second mission of mercy with Wetnose Animal Aid in recent months after a trip to Afghanistan to highlight the work of Nowzad.

• A platinum-selling recording artist with a heart of gold, 80s pop culture icon Samantha Fox has been a presenter at a two Burgess/Wetnose Animal Rescue Awards, commending Caring for Cats for their Best Cat Rescue title in 2012 and German Shepherd Dog Rescue for Best Breed Rescue Centre in 2013.
• In June 2013 actress Lorraine Chase (Emmerdale) helped to shine a light on the plight of stray dogs in Bulgaria during a recent trip with Wetnose Animal Aid and Norton Animal Rescue Foundation to meet Borko, a dog who– though he now has a loving forever home with Dr. Georgi Litov– still lives with the effects of the severe beating he received as a puppy living on the streets.
• Journalist/TV presenter Wendy Turner Webster, who has stepped into to the role of host of the Burgess/ Wetnose Animal Rescue Awards for several years.
• Saffron, the lead singer of the electronica band Republica, will add her voice to the chorus of those who are hoping to help to change the strays’ dire situation.

To find out how you can help Wetnose Animal Aid:

• visit www.wetnoseanimalaid.com

What is Wetnose Animal Aid?

Established in 2000 by Gavin and Andrea Gamby-Boulger, Wetnose Animal Aid champions smaller rescue centers and groups by providing financial assistance and raising awareness of the organizations. Rescue organizations are also honored each year at the star-studded Burgess/Wetnose Animal Rescue Awards.

Photos courtesy Wetnose Animal Aid