About Us

Traveller Animal Welfare: A Beacon of Hope for Animals in Need

Traveller Animal Welfare, a registered charity founded in 2008 by Fiona Gammell, stands as a testament to the power of compassion and proactive intervention in animal welfare. With over 40 years of experience, including service as a Cruelty Inspector, Fiona recognized a significant gap in animal welfare services within the Traveller community. Rather than simply lamenting the situation, she chose to address it directly, establishing Traveller Animal Welfare to bridge the gap through education and practical assistance.

The core mission of Traveller Animal Welfare is to educate members of the Traveller community about responsible animal ownership, covering welfare, health, and relevant legislation. Fiona's background in law, animal psychology, and animal care provides a strong foundation for this work. The charity visits Traveller Education Centres, delivering crucial information and dispelling misconceptions surrounding animal care. For instance, the now rare practice of tail docking in pups stemmed from a misunderstanding, highlighting the importance of education in driving positive change.

Beyond education, Traveller Animal Welfare provides tangible support. Recognizing that lack of resources often hinders proper care, the charity offers free worm, flea, and mange treatment for dogs, and horse wormers when possible. They also facilitate free neutering for dogs and cats, overcoming barriers presented by requirements for personal information by other organizations. This often involves the charity personally collecting the animals, transporting them to the vet, covering the costs, and returning them home. This hands-on approach has resulted in hundreds of animals being neutered, significantly impacting animal welfare within the community.

Traveller Animal Welfare also operates a vital rehoming program. In 2015 alone, they took in 320 dogs, and the numbers remain consistently high. While they work with an English rescue to find homes for some animals, the challenge of rehoming remains significant. The charity laments the preference for "small, white, and fluffy" dogs, highlighting the societal obsession with image over the inherent worth of every animal. They champion the "Heinz 57" mutt, emphasizing the health and resilience of mixed-breed dogs.

The charity's impact extends beyond the Traveller community, assisting anyone in need. Animals taken in for rehoming often arrive with health issues like worms, fleas, and mange, but are generally well-socialized due to their upbringing within the community. The charity provides necessary veterinary care and basic training, transforming these grateful animals and preventing countless dogs from entering the Wicklow Pound.

Traveller Animal Welfare operates a strict "no-kill" policy. Dogs that cannot be rehomed become residents at the sanctuary, which has a capacity for around 50 dogs. They are provided with individual runs, heat lamps, and regular exercise. The charity also rescues horses, ponies, and donkeys, offering a sponsoring scheme for these residents.

Despite their tireless efforts, Traveller Animal Welfare receives minimal funding, relying heavily on grants and donations. They receive no support from Wicklow County Council or the Department of the Environment. The charity's future depends on continued support from compassionate individuals. They welcome visitors and encourage those interested to contact them via their Facebook page. Traveller Animal Welfare is a vital resource for animals in need, and their work deserves recognition and support.