National Canine Defence League

The National Canine Defence League is a registered charity that is dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of stray and neglected dogs across the UK.They found new homes for nearly 8,500 dogs last year alone. That is an average of at least one rehomed dog every hour of every day.The National Canine Defence League have a no kill policy so that any healthy dogs will not be put to sleep.Sadly one of the main income sources is donations and monies left to them in dog owner's wills, funding the 15 rehoming centres and the some 400+ staff doing their very best for the interests for all dogs in the UK.

The National Canine Defence League was started back in 1891 to protect any and all dogs from ill usage and torture of every kind. This is a goal they have pursued with a passion for over a century. A small group of men brought together by Lady Gertrude Stock during the first ever 'Crufts Dog Show' at the Royal Agricultura Hall in Islington. At this meeting they vowed to campaign for the protection of stray dogs, the implimentation of proper veterinary care and to campaign against muzzling, prolonged chaining and experimentation on dogs whether for medical or cosmetic purposes - A practice that was wide spread at the time.

Promising to never ignore a reasonable request for help. The National Canine Defence League began doing operations funded entirely by donations from supporters and members. In 1902 The NCDL had over 1,000 members and continued to expand upto 6,500 members by 1910. Today the NCDL has over 300,000 members and supporters. But dispite this number of people, in 1980 the last NCDL clinic closed due to staff shortages.

Currently the National Canine Defence League has been wanting to solve the problem of 'Why is there so many unwanted dogs in the UK?' To try and reduce the number of these stary dogs, the NCDL is trying to raise awareness to inform and educate dog owners and prospective owners. The NCDL's regional centres have recently been reporting a drop in the number of stray dogs picked up. One North-East council has reported an incredible 40% drop in rescued dogs and a 48% drop in the number of dogs destroyed.

To find out how you can help donate to the National Canine Defence League, click here.