Society for Animals in Distress has big plans up their sleeves for animal welfare in 2025

The Society for Animals in Distress (Said) CEO, Meg Harvey, has described 2024 as a challenging year as the demand for animal welfare assistance has grown exponentially.

Harvey said this year has indeed been turbulent and challenging for them, because of the demand for animal welfare assistance, especially in rural communities where help is needed most. “At the same time, the costs associated with providing these critical services have surged, putting immense strain on our resources. Despite facing a severe financial deficit, we have managed to uphold our commitment to delivering essential care to animals and their families who rely on us. This achievement is nothing short of a miracle, made possible only by the continued support of our donors. Thanks to their generosity, through initiatives like our Annual Golf Day, book sales, and debit order contributions, we have stayed afloat and continued to make a difference where it counts most.”

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She added that this, in itself, was the greatest highlight of the year. Another major highlight of 2024 was the launch of the mobile clinic, bringing essential veterinary services directly to communities. This clinic enables them to reach remote areas, offering vaccinations, treatments, and education on animal welfare right to people’s doorsteps.

“It’s a game-changer in our mission to provide accessible care and support, ensuring that even the most under-served communities can protect and care for their animals. Looking ahead, Said is focused on closing the financial deficit that has challenged our operations, ensuring we can sustain and grow our vital services. Our goal is to deepen our outreach initiatives by expanding educational efforts around responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, particularly in under-served areas where resources are scarce,” she added.

Harvey said they aim to strengthen community-based animal welfare programmes, by bringing practical solutions and compassionate care directly to those in need. “Additionally, we are exploring ways to introduce more educational programmes tailored for children, instilling empathy and responsible animal care values from an early age. By investing in education and community partnerships, we hope to foster lasting change that benefits both animals and people,” added Harvey.

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