Dd desperate to support animal charity, which are the 'best' IYO?

[FrenchKissUnderMistletoeGirl]

Will do some research on this myself, but wanted to know MNer's opinions on animal charities: which are particularly efficient, etc...
Don't want anything to do with 'extreme' organisations...

Don't know about efficiency etc, but sponsoring an animal is very satisfying for children. They get pics of 'their' animal, regular updates, certifactes etc.

and how do you go about doing this?

I sponsor a dolphin each month for DH, he receives a certificate every year and they also invite you to go and see the dolphin you have sponsored. Ours lives off the coast of Scotland. They keep you updated regularly with news letters (def worth reading first before you show dd though as they can be quite graphic) and send you photos. I'll sort you a link if you are interested.

WDCS

Hope this works.

Blue Cross might interest her

I was going to post exactly what Chloe55 did - we sponsored dolphins with WWF last year too, but we're going to pick something else this year after one (or two or three) too many "newletters" featuring large colour pics of mangled dead whales, sometimes even BABY ones.

Surely they know they're appealing to children, and to children who (because they're doing the sponsoring) have already shown they care? What do they think they're doing?

A dog-loving young friend joined the National Canine Defence League (now called something ludicrous like Dogs Direct I believe) and I don't think she ever received anything inappropriate in the post...
I have heard good things of the RSPB's junior membership too.
And I think Blue Cross is a very worthy cause, if they offer sponsorship I'd go with them. Didn't know they did that Zippi...

Yeah I have to admit that although I think the fund is def a worthwhile cause they should maybe send 'child friendly' magazines but also include the shocking ones as sometimes this is what makes you realise just how terrible life is for these poor animals. Maybe I will write a letter to suggest it.

Chloe I agree with you - perhaps I should write too. It just felt so cynical to play on a child's feelings that way - he wanted to sponsor them because he already knew and was upset about what can happen to them. A weird sort of preaching to the converted - imagine if you sponsored a child in a third world country and every month you got a selection of pictures of coffins.

I know it's not animals at all, but we chose the lifeboats (RNLI) for dd and that has been a HUGE success. Really recommend.

What about PETA or the RSPCA?

How about anendangeredanimal?

Sorry, didnt read the post about pictures of dead whales. Even so, how old is she?, it might not be all bad.

My dd belongs to the RSPCA Animal Action Club , which is for kids who want to support the RSPCA. I think the magazine is quite good, highlights a different animal each issue, the articles about animal cruelty are appropriately gentle. Also, she got a soft toy hamster when she joined, which she just loves.

the RSPB is another alternative with a very good childrren's membership section and activities, magazine and something which is a great learning activity

this is the children's section it extends into other conservation and wildlife issues as well and of course lots of scope for involvement, day trips etc

I like Dogs Trust for kiddies (the one that used to be the National Canine Defence League!)

They get to choose which dog to sponsor and get letters etc from their chosen dog.

I sponsor their "Oldies" - the ones which will never be rehomed as they are too old, and they all live in a big house with loads of settees to lay about on - quite the life I understand!

I am really not keen on the RSPCA as they destroy certain breeds as a matter of course, without even offering them up for adoption, and the percentage of funds which (certainly used to) go to non-animal welfare causes (i.e. the Directors salary etc) was outrageous.

I'm not so keen on the RSPCA either ..I think they take a more pragmatic and instituionalised approach than others do

Is there a sanctuary of any kind local to you, FG? eg round here there is a place called Only Foals and Horses and they do sponsorship etc. If you put eg "pet rescue" and your area into google it should come up with some.

My dd sponsors a horse from Redwings . She got a box of goodies, a photograph and the life-story of "her" horse, which she then gets an update on every six months, and there's a newsletter as well (you can request the children's newsletter when you subscribe). She also gets an invitation to the horse's birthday party every year (we're a bit far away though!)

I have just arranged to sponsor a donkey in memory of my friends little boy. The charity is Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land - they rescue donkeys which have been mistreated in Israel and the Palestine Territories. Not sure if they are going to be any good yet, but they promise a pack and updates on your chosen donkey.
here . They are based in West Sussex.

wow, thanks for all the ideas, girls, I was out shopping (Marina it's all your fault ) and have just come back.

Will examine all your posts in detail and make a decision, thanks again