60 years, 60,000 tails: Margaret Green Animal Rescue celebrates a legacy of compassion and reinvigorates model to help secure sector’s future

-           MGAR’s biggest ever fundraising campaign #60YearsChallenge, launches to support its ongoing prosperity

As it celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, Dorset-based charity, Margaret Green Animal Rescue (MGAR) is spearheading change alongside others in its sector by adapting its model in line with rapidly evolving community needs.

The charity is using this momentous occasion to inspire a positive shift in perceptions for the animal rescue sector, while futureproofing its own work through the launch of its largest donation drive to date. MGAR’s #60YearsChallenge involves participants taking on a 60-themed activity to raise money, from baking 60 cakes to running 60 miles.

MGAR, which has centres in Church Knowle in Purbeck and Lincoln Farm in Bere Regis, has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed more than 60,000 animals since 1965. The charity supports a variety of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, goats, and sheep.

MGAR has played a fundamental role in the Dorset community since its birth, with its Church Knowle centre the very first to be opened by founder, Margaret Green and her father, Jerry.

Nigel Mason, CEO of MGAR said: “Over the past 60 years, MGAR has significantly evolved its sector model in line with dramatic societal changes and demands.

“When the charity was in its infancy, our model was based on fulfilling high demand; building centres that could take in lots of animals, generally located outside of towns to reduce noise and disruption. That model worked 50-60 years ago, but in the last 10 years, it’s become less effective, primarily due to social media becoming an attractive channel for people to find pets. What’s more, the animal rescue charity sector isn’t legally regulated, meaning anyone could set up an organisation, regardless of quality. Worryingly, responsible rescue charities like ours have become a last resort for rehoming.

“COVID also set us back 20 years – and we’re still picking up the pieces – as so many people obtained pets they couldn’t look after properly during that time, and they’ve subsequently come into our care. As a result, there’s been a significant imbalance in the number of animals needing care and the number of appropriate rehomers.

“In response to these changes, we are transitioning to a new model. While our core centres remain a key focus, we’re also becoming far more integrated and visible among our communities through proactive engagement. Animals are a huge part of communities, so getting to the heart of them is key.”

As part of its evolution, MGAR is now placing as much importance on preventing the need for rescue as its rescue services themselves. The charity takes tens of thousands of calls across its centres every year where staff and volunteers offer practical advice, supporting people through crisis and helping them retain their animals, providing the best possible care.

MGAR is also set to launch an animal foster care service, where trained volunteers look after animals in their homes while the charity finds them a new place to live. This new initiative gives the charity more flexibility to find loving forever homes, while helping more people and animals.

Nigel Mason continued: “While so much has changed over the years, our purpose has remained, and we all still hold true the values Margaret instilled throughout her years of involvement with the charity.

“Margaret’s unwavering love and devotion to MGAR was inspirational and her legacy lives on through the passion and dedication of our team today. Our 60th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on everyone’s hard work, celebrate our achievements, and reaffirm our focus for the coming decades as we look to strengthen our position as a key community asset. By doing so, we can continue giving thousands of animals the care and loving homes they deserve for many years to come.”

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, MGAR is also asking any rehomers of its animals from the past six decades to share their stories and images. The charity will be creating a special 60th anniversary graphic filled with submitted images, and sharing stories across its social channels to shine a spotlight on its vital work and valued supporters. Those keen to be involved can email their stories and images to comms@mgar.org.uk.

To find out more about MGAR’s #60YearsChallenge, visit https://www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk/60-years. 

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Editors notes

A brief history of Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Margaret Green founded Margaret Green Animal Rescue (MGAR) alongside her father, Jerry in 1965, opening the first centre - which still exists today - in Church Knowle, Dorset.

With Margaret Green at the helm of operations 60 years ago, the charity began by providing expert veterinary attention, spaying and neutering, pet boarding, a welfare visiting service, and a special remembrance for departed pets. MGAR’s first animals included retired pit ponies, wild birds, and two Jersey cows – Susan and Marigold.

The charity celebrated many more milestones over the decades including opening its first sole dog rescue centre, Lincoln Farm near Bere Regis, and its Wingletang Centre near Tavistock, Devon, for cat and dog care. Margaret dedicated her life to the charity, working as a Trustee for 35 years and remaining closely involved until her passing at the age of 94 in 2009.

To find out more, visit https://www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk/our-history