Naturewatch Foundation launches ‘Closer to Animals’ survey

Animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation, is reaching out to animal lovers across the UK to ask how animals have benefited their life during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Naturewatch Foundation has commissioned a survey seeking the views of animal lovers, which they then plan to share as key findings in report to UK policymakers. The survey is now live and will be open until the end of October 2020.

Naturewatch Foundation Chief Executive, Caroline Ruane said, “One of the many things we’ve learnt during lockdown is just how much people love animals. During the challenging months of restrictions and social distancing, many of us have become closer to the animals in our lives, in our gardens and in nature than ever before. We have spent a lot more time at home with our pets and cherished the comfort they give to us and our loved ones. Some people have simply enjoyed more time in nature, watching the birds and wildlife in gardens, especially when shielding from the Covid-19 virus.”

It has been widely reported that escaping into nature has many physical and mental health benefits. Naturewatch Foundation plans to use the anonymised results of this survey to advise MPs and policymakers in the UK, about how important and beneficial animal relationships are to human health and how precious animals are to us.

The charity wants to use knowledge and real-life stories, taken anonymously from the survey, in drafting a ‘Closer to Animals’ report. The aim of the report is to assist government and policymakers in improving animal welfare laws such as increasing penalties for animal cruelty.

Naturewatch Foundation would love to hear from animal lovers across the UK. The survey can be found at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NaturewatchFoundationClosertoAnimals/

---------- Ends ----------