15 Dec Essex-based volunteer takes cruises around the world to help animals in need
A dedicated animal lover from Roydon has travelled the world caring for animals and donating to shelters as she goes.
Soraya Smith has taken a whopping 40 cruises around the world, and at every port stops off to visit and volunteer at animal shelters.
And back in Essex, Soraya volunteers her time to help the Meowcat shelter in Harlow, and has raised thousands of pounds for the NoToDogMeat charity with efforts including running the Virtual London Marathon aboard a cruise ship.
“When I am abroad I go to as many local animal rescue sites as I can and help in any way that I can. I try to do this in each port, and it’s a really important part of every trip.
“I will always be committed to helping animals in need, and am horrified when I hear that animals are in pain or suffering.
“Particularly anything for NoToDogMeat I will always commit to, as I feel the charity needs much more support.
“I have an affinity with NoToDogMeat as they are all about direct action and they get the work done.
“The meat trade is horrific, and dogs and cats are skinned alive and burned alive because people believe it makes them taste better.”
Soraya has had a lifelong love of animals, and her home is close to the Ada Cole horse rescue sanctuary, the perfect view for an animal enthusiast.
Soraya’s next trip is a Scandinavian cruise, and she is already looking into what charities she can help along the way.
Soraya added: “Before every trip I do my research, so I don’t waste any time when I get there trying to find shelters that need help.”
The NoToDogMeat charity was founded in 2009 by London lawyer Julia de Cadenet, after she witnessed first hand the horrors of the dog meat trade.
The charity now holds United Nations Special Consultative Status, advising on the issue on a global level. NoToDogMeat also has two shelters in China, and a new shelter in Cambodia, which takes in dogs rescued from the cruel and unsanitary trade.
Speaking about Soraya’s efforts for the charity, Julia said: “Soraya is one of our most passionate supporters and we are so grateful and proud of her dedication to the cause.
“We are a grassroots charity, so every donation goes such a long way. Soraya’s generosity over the years has really made such a direct impact on the lives of dogs and cats in their time of need.”
The NoToDogMeat charity has just released a 2023 calendar, which features the happy faces of dogs and cats who have been rescued from the meat trade.
Dogs like eight year-old Alice, who was found cowering under a meat market stall at the notorious Chinese dog meat festival, after suffering a horrific beating.
Volunteers from the NoToDogMeat charity were able to transport her to safety, and she received extensive medical care for horrific damage to her face and lower back.
The beautiful pup, who is thought to be a corgi-cross, is now the Queen of the charity’s efforts to sell as many 2023 calendars as possible, and help more dogs in need.
Following her ordeal she was transported to a loving home in London, and now regularly dines on roast beef as well as receiving ongoing care for an eye injury she sustained during the trauma.
Julia added: “Alice’s story is inspirational but sadly not unique.
“She is such a happy loving dog, and was clearly somebody’s pet before being taken to the meat market.
“We work hard every day so that dogs like Alice can get a second chance at life, and we hope that people will show their support this Christmas by buying our calendar.”
