Dog charities call for support following death of Paul O'Grady

Paul O’Grady’s death has seen an outpouring of goodwill towards good causes helping good dogs, with the late comedian’s passion sparking donations – but smaller charities are yet to feel the love.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has received over £200,000 in donations after setting up a tribute fund in O’Grady’s memory, while Dogs Trust told The Big Issue it too had seen an increase in donations.

But smaller charities haven’t noticed the goodwill spreading. StreetVet, where Paul O’Grady was also an ambassador, said it had seen “no significant uplift”.

Your support changes lives. Find out how you can help us help more people by signing up for a subscription

However, one person had been in touch wanting to run the Great North Run for StreetVet in memory of O’Grady, said its co-founder Jade Statt.

Paul O’Grady was introduced to StreetVet while filming his TV programme For The Love Of Dogs, and acted as an ambassador for the charity, and was described by Statt as “a true advocate for man’s best friend and a wonderful human being”.

Michelle Clark, the founder of Dogs on the Streets, a charity which helps the canine companions of those living on the streets, said it would be a “great legacy” for the entertainer and drag queen if the bigger charities, such as Battersea, spread the wealth.

“It would be nice, in memory, for them to do a percentage to smaller charities,” she told The Big Issue. “Why don’t they say they are going to give 10 charities £10,000?”

Battersea’s appeal led to a flood of donations which “overwhelmed and touched” the charity.

The late presenter, who died in March at the age of 67, owned three rescue dogs and promoted the work of Battersea through his ITV programme For The Love of Dogs. A new series, filmed before his death, will air from April 13.

• Like many pets, Rocky lost his home due to the cost of living. But there is hope
• ‘Their dogs are a reason for living’: A new film tells the story of homeless people and their pets
• Nottingham Big Issue vendor Shane: ‘My dogs saved me from myself’

Get the latest news and insight into how the Big Issue magazine is made by signing up for the Inside Big Issue newsletter

A Dogs Trust spokesperson said: “Since the sad passing of Paul O’Grady, we have seen an increase in donations from people who may have been inspired by his passion for helping dogs in need.

“We are incredibly grateful to our supporters, and we couldn’t do any of the life-changing work that we do without them. From donations and fundraising to sponsoring, fostering or adopting a dog, however people choose to support us, helps us work towards a day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life.”

You can find out how to support StreetVet here

You can donate to Dogs on the Streets here

Donate to Dogs Trust here