Dogstar Foundation

The Dogstar Foundation is a United Kingdom-based registered charity (Charity number: 1188754) dedicated to improving animal welfare, with a primary focus on addressing the overpopulation crisis of dogs and cats in Sri Lanka. Established in 2020, the foundation has evolved from a predecessor charity and operates with a mission to provide sterilisation services, veterinary care, vaccinations, feeding, and community education to promote the well-being of street animals.

History and Origin

The inception of Dogstar Foundation traces back to two former London Underground workers who, driven by compassion for street animals, relocated approximately 5,000 miles away to Sri Lanka. There they launched spay and neuter clinics aimed at controlling the dog and cat populations humanely. Transitioning its legal status in 2022 to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), the foundation assimilated all operations, assets, and liabilities of its legacy charity to increase its impact and sustainability.

Activities and Impact

Dogstar Foundation runs regular spay and neuter clinics sterilising over 1,000 animals per month. In addition to sterilisation, it provides life-saving vaccinations with tens of thousands administered annually, and offers veterinary care to address ailments such as skin conditions in dogs. The organisation also operates a feeding programme, notably the "Meals on Three Wheels" service, where a team delivers food twice daily to hungry street animals across Sri Lanka.

Education and community engagement form a core component of the foundation’s work, promoting compassion and responsible animal care practices among local populations. The foundation reports sterilising approximately 76,959 dogs and 12,720 cats and has administered nearly 87,872 vaccinations, illustrating its considerable contribution to animal welfare in the region.

Governance and Funding

The charity is governed by a board of trustees and maintains compliance with UK charity regulations. Financial reports for the year ending February 2024 indicate total income of approximately £5,200 against expenditures of about £13,500, reflecting ongoing operational investments. The foundation is committed to good fundraising practices and follows the Fundraising Code of Practice as certified by the Fundraising Regulator.

Community Engagement

The Dogstar Foundation promotes awareness and fundraising campaigns such as the "Curry for Canines" event, which encourages supporters to host Sri Lankan-themed dinners to raise funds during cultural celebrations like Vesak Day. The charity also shares regular updates and success stories via newsletters and digital platforms to connect with its supporter base globally.

Dogstar Foundation exemplifies a dedicated and compassionate approach to animal welfare, using a combination of veterinary intervention, feeding initiatives, and community outreach to create lasting change for street animals in Sri Lanka.

[1] https://dogstarfoundation.com [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5005252 [3] https://dogstarfoundation.com/our-origin-story/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5151845/contact-information [5] https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/directory/dogstar-foundation