Scottish comedian, and voice of hit TV show Love Island, Iain Stirling is backing animal welfare charity, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s Spring fundraising appeal.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is appealing for support this spring following significant financial losses incurred by the Coronavirus outbreak. Whilst the Home’s donations drop, more animals continue to come to their door in need requiring food, care and veterinary treatment. In addition, the Home continues to provide for pet owners who are struggling with the care of their pet through their Pet Food Bank.

The ‘Spring to their Senses’ appeal focuses on sensory enrichment for the animals who find their way to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. This includes the use of plants, herbs and aromatherapy to help calm or create interesting scents for the dogs and cats to discover; puzzle mats and interactive feeders to make mealtimes more interesting or even inexpensive alternatives such as cardboard and paper.

With no government funding Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home relies on donations from the generous public to bring in the £2.7 million it requires to run every year. The cancellation of all fundraising events and the temporary closure of rehoming, boarding and charity shops has had a massive impact on the Home’s income.

Iain Stirling, who gave a personal donation of £1,000 to the appeal said:

“It’s important that the nations dogs and cats are cared for in these bizarre times. They still need food, walks and love! Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home always endeavour to provide just that!”

Nicola Gunn, Director of Development and External Affairs at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said:

“It’s a worrying time for the whole country, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the virus. At Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home our priority remains the stray and unwanted pets who desperately need our help, and the struggling pet owners in our community who we continue to support through our Pet Food Bank.

“Through our Spring to their Senses appeal we are asking the public to donate whatever they can afford, to allow us to continue our vital work. The appeal focusses in particular on enrichment and training, which is absolutely vital in their wellbeing and development, especially during this pandemic when our rehoming services have been paused and dogs and cats are staying with us for longer.

To donate to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home Spring To Their Senses Appeal, please visit www.edch.org.uk/Spring or text ‘SENSES’ to 70085 to donate £5.*

*This costs £5 plus a std rate message.