AN ANIMAL rescue centre in Ipplepen has been shortlisted for an animal charity of the year award by a leading pet food company.

Burns Pet Nutrition, a leading healthy pet food company, have announced a shortlist of six charities nominated to win their Burns Charity of the Year Award.

Newton Abbot’s Animals in Distress, and accompanying rescue centre in Ipplepen, is among the nominees.

Communications co-ordinator and fundraiser for Animals in Distress, Rowana Rowan, said: ‘It means the world to us and the animals in our care to be shortlisted for Burns Charity of the Year.

‘It’s an absolute honour to have got this far in the process and it would be so wonderful to work with such a great company, which does such amazing work for animal charities.

‘The difference the award would make to the homeless animals in this area would be life-changing.’

The award scheme, which recognises and rewards the achievements of animal welfare organisations throughout the UK and Ireland, has run each year since 2015.

Due to be announced in late July, Burns will select the winning charity which will receive a donation, alongside an ongoing supportive partnership with the company.

Founder of Burns Pet Nutrition, John Burns, said: ‘Myself and the Burns Pet Nutrition team are extremely passionate about supporting and giving back to the community in any way, shape or form possible, and the same goes for charities in need of the support they aren’t currently receiving.

‘We are looking forward to working with the selected charities throughout 2022 and, hopefully, they will feel the benefit of the support Burns Pet Nutrition can offer.’

Animals in Distress, which was formed in 1981, is an animal welfare charity caring for and re-homing unwanted domestic animals.

The charity rehomes more than 600 cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs every year.