Wales’ multi-award winning estate agent Peter Alan has announced that Four Paws Animal Rescue (South Wales) is to become its official charity partner for the next 12 months.

Four Paws Animal Rescue (South Wales) was set up by Kirsty Thomas, who while working as a student veterinary nurse at a South Wales veterinary practice for local authority dog pounds, was heartbroken to see unclaimed dogs put to sleep after seven days for no good reason.

She encouraged her friends and family to adopt, but felt she needed to do more, so in 2004 she started the charity.

Their primary work is to rescue dogs from local authority pounds, which have a euthanasia policy if they are not rehomed or claimed within seven days.

They do not have a rescue centre, but a network of foster carers who give the dogs a loving home. Here they can be assessed and cared for without the stresses of a kennel. They try to rehome as many dogs as they can, but also work closely with other charities. During 2016 more than 700 animals were received into their care.

Events already planned for the year include bake sales, dress down days and the inaugural ‘Gran Fondo’ pa black cycling event. Staff will also be encouraged to raise money themselves in branch and through company-wide events.

Andrew Barry, managing director of Peter Alan said: “As a nation of animal lovers, and a pet owner myself, I am delighted that Four Paws Animal Rescue (South Wales) has been selected by our staff as our Charity of the Year for 2018.

"This small and passionate charity rely heavily on donations, all the team are volunteers, not one person takes a salary from the charity, so every penny that we raise will go towards the dogs, paying for food, vets bills and treatment.

"I am confident our staff and customers will dig deep to help fundraise for this worthwhile cause, whilst also raising awareness of the charity and animal welfare in general.”

For more information about Four Paws Animal Rescue (South Wales) visit www.fourpawsanimalrescue.org.uk/.