My name is Jenny and I have been volunteering at a rescue kennel in West Wales for the past five years where Simba, a Staffy X dog is kennelled.

Simba is a rescue dog who has already endured more than any dog should. He was exempted in 2023 solely for his own safety but he is now caught up in the rescue system, under the XL bully dog legislation.

I am Simba’s main volunteer. I have been working with him from the day he came into the rescue and know him better than anyone else. I passionately believe he deserves the chance to be assessed as an individual dog and not simply judged and condemned by his appearance.

Although he is currently exempted, I strongly believe, after carefully studying and checking the criteria, that Simba does NOT meet the criteria to be classified as an XL bully. To support this, he needs an independent professional assessment that can be submitted to DEFRA, as part of the request to review Simba’s classification. My hope and belief is that the assessment supports it and DEFRA agrees that Simba can be de-exempted and leave kennel life behind and be successfully and happily rehomed.

Simba has been in rescue since October 2023 and he deserves the chance to be known for who he is and not spend the rest of his life in kennels, just because of uncertainty over his classification.

I am raising funds to cover the cost of a professional assessment for Simba. Every donation, no matter how small, will help give Simba the best possible chance of a future life outside of a rescue kennel.

If you are unable to donate, then please share Simba’s story so it can reach someone who is able to donate. Your kindness and support can help change Simba’s life for better and forever.

Together, with your support, we can give Simba the opportunity to have a good future home life that every dog deserves.

HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE USED:

Every penny raised will go towards giving Simba the opportunity to have his case professionally assessed and towards a successful declassification from XL bully.

COST BREAKDOWN:

Independent behaviour assessment - £82.80

Professional assessment report - £248.40

Assessor travel costs - £315.00

Additional travel and associated expenses - £90.00

SUBTOTAL £736.20

VAT - £147.24

TOTAL COSTS - £883.44

The fundraising target has been set at £950 to cover these costs including VAT, and the payment processing fees deducted from donations by GoFundMe.

Any funds remaining after these costs will go directly towards Simba’s ongoing care and welfare, while his case progresses.