Category: Blog

We are urgently trying to save 14 dogs and some puppies from a brutal death in the Golesti kill shelter in Romania NEXT WEEK.

There is the lovely German Shepherd Dog Mum with pups and 13 smaller friendly ones. We can’t leave them to be killed in a horrific way, so we want to try and get them out of there and to a safe caring private shelter next week, until UK homes are found. Please try and support us.

To make this happen we need our wonderful supporters help to fund their vaccinations, blood tests, flea & worm treatments and any veterinary treatment likely to be needed due to the horrendous conditions they are being kept in at Golesti Kill Shelter, 💔

We will need to pay €700 every month for their foster (€50 each) and on top of this we also need to fund their vaccinations, bloods, flea and worm treatments @ approx €100 each. So…we desperately need help financially – can you help or can you please share the video and story please?

How you can donate

We are currently offering a great prize in our Facebook fundraising group – please see link below:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pennypawsrescuefundraising

Or you can donate via our website here:

https://pennypawsrescue.org.uk/donate

Please reference any donations as ‘Operation Lifesaver ‘ and if using Paypal please choose the family friends option. Thankyou so much. ❤️🐾❤️

Bath 12K Three Hill Challenge Update – RUN COMPLETED and LIVE STREAMED SATURDAY 10th MAY 2025.

Thank you so much to all the amazing supporters – nearly £1300 already raised to help the dogs and specifically old boy Lenny. Can we raise a bit more…

If you missed it you can watch it all here…!

or watch a few short clips (check out the one with about 70 bullocks joining in)

We lost the connection towards the end up on third hill – Lansdown.

---

Pennypaws volunteer Jonathan Slatter is doing a sponsored run in Bath on the 10th May 2025, to try and raise money for Pennypaws Rescue, so they can help more dogs suffering in the horrific kill shelters in Romania.

Any money raised will go towards transport costs to get some of the already rescued dogs to UK foster homes, and specifically a lovely old boy called Lenny. At 10-11 years old, Lenny is too old to be stuck in a boisterous, noisy & scary shelter. Can we get him some love, warmth and comfort for his old age please?

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/getlennyhome

The sponsored run is just over 12k long and goes west out of Bath and up to the top of Solsbuy Hill – (made famous by Peter Gabriel), from there we drop down to the valley beyond and up the steep rise to the top of Charmy Down. Then it’s a down and across the A46 and drop right down to Swainswick, up to the Village of Wooley and then the steepest longest climb up to the top of Lansdown Hill to the north of the city. From there it is all downhill back to Bath.

If you can help him raise a few pounds for Pennypaws Rescue they will use every penny pf that money to help more suffering dogs. Pennypaws is only run by UNPAID VOLUNTEERS so every penny goes to help the dogs.

If you wish to donate with Paypal you can do so here https://pennypawsrescue.org.uk/donate
Pennypaws Rescue is a UK Registered Charity No 1200959
Thanks so much if you can spare anything or are able to share this page and video. x

Coming up a year ago we reached out to Penny Paws looking to adopt a dog. I have always rehomed rescue dogs however this was our first experience getting a dog from outside of the United Kingdom. 

Gill was very helpful sending pictures and information on dogs which met our criteria. Gill advised Agatha had been in a shelter, in Romania for many years until Gill and her colleague found her. After deciding on Agatha Penny Paws organised everything and under 3 weeks later Agatha arrived. 

She came with all the required paperwork and in humane transport.  I have adopted a number dogs from the UK over the years and honestly the process was easier with Penny Paws than any of the other rescue organisations. 

We learnt that a ‘Romie’ has certain qualities which we adore. Agatha is so grateful for all she gets, she’s is always happy and cherishs home comforts. Agatha is in bliss snuggled between her owners and she is also super intelligent with tons of fun character. 

We had a dog when we got Agatha, she is gentle and lovely companion to him. We can’t thank Gill and her team enough. Adopt a Romania from Pennypaws, you won’t regret it. These dogs fill your life with joy! 

Sarah and Sam April 2025

Please support or share the work we do to help the suffering dogs, thank you: https://pennypawsrescue.org.uk/donate/

One of the most common questions we hear is:

“Why bring dogs over from Romania when there are already so many dogs in UK shelters needing homes?”

It’s a valid question, and one that deserves a clear and comprehensive answer. At PennyPaws, we are committed to helping dogs wherever they are in need. While UK rescue centres are indeed struggling, the situation for dogs in Romania—and many other countries—is far more dire. Below, we’ll explain why international rescue is so important, how it benefits both foreign and UK dogs, and why we believe saving lives should never be limited by borders.

⸻

1.⁠ ⁠The Reality for Dogs in Romania

While stray dog issues exist worldwide, Romania has one of the most severe crises. There are an estimated 600,000+ stray dogs in the country, and they face levels of suffering that most UK dogs—sheltered or not—will never experience.

Extreme Neglect and Abuse
• Many Romanian dogs are born on the streets, living in dangerous conditions with no access to food, water, or shelter.
• Poisoning, beating, and shooting strays is common practice, either by individuals or government-hired dog catchers.
• Dogs are frequently hit by cars and left to suffer with horrific injuries.
• Puppies are often abandoned in forests, rivers, or bins, left to die.

The Kill Shelter Crisis

Romania has a network of kill shelters, known for their appalling conditions:
• Dogs are caught by violent dog catchers who use metal nooses to drag them into vans, often breaking bones or causing severe injury.
• Shelters are severely overcrowded—dogs are left starving, fighting for scraps, and often dying of disease or untreated wounds.
• Many shelters have no veterinary care. If a dog gets sick or injured, they are simply left to die.
• The euthanasia laws allow shelters to kill dogs after just 14 days—and often, this is done in brutal ways, including beatings or poisoning.

These dogs are not just “waiting for homes”—they are fighting for their lives in a system where suffering is the norm.

2.⁠ ⁠“But What About UK Dogs?”

It’s true that UK rescues are overwhelmed, but the situation is not the same as in Romania.

UK Dogs Are Safe, Romanian Dogs Are Not
• In the UK, a dog in a shelter will receive food, veterinary care, and some level of protection.
• No UK dog will legally be starved, beaten, or killed in inhumane ways.
• In Romania, a dog left in a kill shelter has a high chance of dying a horrific death.

Different Causes of the Crisis

The UK dog shelter crisis is largely due to overbreeding, irresponsible ownership, and cost-of-living pressures. Many UK dogs are surrendered because owners can no longer afford them or because they did not consider the long-term commitment.

In Romania, the problem is driven by government policies, mass stray populations, and a lack of education about neutering. Even if every single UK rescue dog found a home tomorrow, Romanian dogs would still be suffering in the same horrific conditions.

⸻

3.⁠ ⁠“Shouldn’t We Fix the Problem at the Root?”

Yes—and that’s why international rescues don’t just rehome dogs; they also run spay and neuter campaigns, education programmes, and advocacy efforts to tackle the crisis long-term.

Neutering Programmes

Many rescues, including ours, invest in neutering as a key part of their mission. By preventing unwanted litters, we reduce the number of stray dogs suffering in the future.

Education and Outreach

We work with local communities to promote responsible pet ownership, teaching people why neutering, proper care, and ethical treatment of animals is essential.

Lobbying for Change

Some organisations fight for better laws to protect Romanian dogs from cruelty and improve shelter conditions. However, these changes take time. While we work towards them, we cannot ignore the dogs suffering right now.

⸻

4.⁠ ⁠The Myth That Romanian Dogs “Take Homes” from UK Dogs

There is a misconception that rescuing international dogs means UK dogs lose out on homes. However, the reality is more complex:

Different Adopters, Different Choices
• Many adopters specifically choose to adopt from abroad because they want to help dogs in the most desperate situations.
• If international rescue wasn’t an option, these adopters would not necessarily adopt a UK dog instead.
• Some people feel more drawn to street dogs, as they are often highly adaptable, intelligent, and grateful for a second chance.

Romanian Dogs Can Be Easier to Integrate

Unlike UK rescue dogs, who may have experienced abuse in a home setting, many Romanian dogs:
• Have never been in a home before, meaning they don’t carry pre-existing trauma related to domestic life.
• Are used to surviving on their own, making them resilient and adaptable.
• Often integrate well into multi-dog households because they are accustomed to pack life.

Rescue Creates More Space

By adopting from abroad, we help free up spaces in UK foster homes and kennels, allowing them to take in more UK dogs in need.

⸻

5.⁠ ⁠Rescue Shouldn’t Have Borders

At PennyPaws, we believe that a life is a life, regardless of where a dog happens to be born.
• If a dog is suffering, and we can help, why wouldn’t we?
• We don’t limit our compassion based on nationality—just as people support humanitarian efforts worldwide, we extend that same kindness to animals.

Rescuing a Romanian dog does not mean we don’t care about UK dogs. It means we refuse to ignore suffering, no matter where it happens.

⸻

Final Thoughts

The UK rescue crisis is real—but it is not a reason to turn our backs on dogs facing unimaginable cruelty elsewhere. While UK dogs may be waiting for homes, Romanian dogs are waiting to survive.

Instead of asking, “Why help Romanian dogs?” we ask:

“If we have the means to save a life, why wouldn’t we?”

At PennyPaws, we will continue to help dogs wherever they need us most—because rescue knows no borders.

Article by Peter Loy, Greenbank Animal Sanctuary. March 2025

March Mission Romania: Final Day Our time here has come to an end, and tomorrow we head home.

Leaving the dogs behind is always heartbreaking, but we take comfort in knowing we’ve helped build their confidence and trust in people—small but vital steps toward their future.

We’ve fed so many dogs over the past week, met incredible rescuers doing everything they can, and spent time with the new arrivals from Mihăilești public shelter. Many of them are absolutely terrified, still trying to decompress from the horrors they’ve endured. They need time, patience, and, most importantly, foster and adoptive homes to truly heal. This has been an emotional, exhausting, but essential trip.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us—now we need your help more than ever. Please share, foster, adopt—these dogs deserve a chance.

Thank you to every single person who supports us—you make this possible. We’ll keep you updated as we go.

Please support us if you can – or share the work we do to save the dogs, thank you x

https://pennypawsrescue.org.uk/donate/

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pennypaws

March Mission Romania: Day 4 Update

Today has been a deeply emotional day as we spent time feeding strays alongside a wonderful local lady who cares for 50 stray dogs every single day. Her dedication is incredible, but the sheer number of dogs in need is overwhelming.

We also visited her small shelter, where she does everything she can with very little, and met another amazing woman who has opened her home to take in as many strays as possible. Seeing their love and commitment is inspiring, but the reality is heartbreaking—so many puppies and adult dogs living in desperate conditions, waiting for a chance at a better life.

It’s hard to witness, but it pushes us to keep going. Every meal, every bit of care, every rescue—it all matters. Please keep supporting and sharing. These dogs need us now more than ever.

Thank you to every single person who supports us—you make this possible. We’ll keep you updated as we go. Please support us if you can – or share the work we do to save the dogs, thank you x https://pennypawsrescue.org.uk/donate/ https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pennypaws

https://pennypawsrescue.org.uk/donate/

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pennypaws

March Mission Romania: Day 3 Update

Another exhausting but fulfilling day here in Romania. We’ve been grooming, nail clipping, and cleaning, making sure the dogs feel a little more comfortable and cared for. These small acts of kindness make a world of difference to dogs who have been so badly neglected.

Today also saw the arrival of seven dogs from the public shelter, including four PennyPaws dogs. They are absolutely terrified, and it’s clear they’ve been through so much. Over the next two days, we’ll be spending time with them, helping them feel safe, building trust, and showing them that life doesn’t have to be so scary.

This work is exhausting, both physically and emotionally, but every moment is worth it. Thank you for following our journey and supporting us—these dogs wouldn’t stand a chance without you. More updates soon!

https://pennypawsrescue.org.uk/donate/

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pennypaws

March Mission Romania: First Update: Day 2

The PennyPaws team are continuing their work in Romania visiting the shelters and seeing all the dogs needing homes.

The team are self funded: Any money donated to Pennypaws goes to the goes – we are only run by a handful of hard working unpaid volunteers.

While we’re incredibly lucky to work alongside some amazing private shelters, they are stretched beyond all manageable limits. Underfunded and overwhelmed—these shelters are doing everything they can, but the dogs need so much more care, love, and attention than resources allow. It’s heartbreaking to see, but we’re here to help in every way possible.

We’re also heading out on more rescues soon, which means even more mouths to feed and more desperate souls needing homes. Every single one of them deserves a chance, and we are doing everything we can to make that happen.

Please support us if you can – or share the work we do to save the dogs, thank you x

Thank you to every single person who supports us—you make this possible. We’ll keep you updated as we go.

https://pennypawsrescue.org.uk/donate/ https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pennypaws

The PennyPaws team has arrived in Romania and hit the ground running. We knew this trip would be tough, but the reality is even worse than we imagined.

While we’re incredibly lucky to work alongside some amazing private shelters, they are stretched beyond all manageable limits. Underfunded and overwhelmed—these shelters are doing everything they can, but the dogs need so much more care, love, and attention than resources allow. It’s heartbreaking to see, but we’re here to help in every way possible.

We’re also heading out on more rescues soon, which means even more mouths to feed and more desperate souls needing homes. Every single one of them deserves a chance, and we are doing everything we can to make that happen.

Back in the UK, Peter & Jonathan are already processing the details, and we’ll be sharing the first profiles shortly. Please keep an eye out, share their stories, and help us find these dogs the loving homes they so desperately need.

Thank you to every single person who supports us—you make this possible. We’ll keep you updated as we go.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/pennypaws