Dear John

Following the Prime Minister's briefing yesterday evening (March 16th) regarding social distancing and entering the workplace, we have reviewed our position and have asked most of our staff to start working from home as from today. As far as is possible we will try to maintain business as usual, but please be patient if our responses are slower as a result.

At Animal Aid, the safety and well-being of our staff and volunteers is our highest priority. We know it’s an unsettling situation at the moment for everybody and  you may have some concerns around coronavirus (Covid-19) which is why we would like to reassure you that we are monitoring the situation extremely closely and are following all advice issued by the Government and Public Health England.

If you wish to purchase items from our online shop, we intend to keep this open until otherwise directed, or until we feel it is no longer advisable. Please be patient if there is any delay in responding to your orders.

We will have a limited number of staff responding to phone calls, so we may take longer than usual to get back to you.

Sadly, we have had to suspend sending out our campaign resources, including leaflets and booklets. We have also taken the decision to cancel the leafleting events we had planned, such as the Vegan Outreach Day in May, since we don’t feel it is responsible to be encouraging leafleting at this time.

Following last night's welcome announcement by the British Horseracing Authority that the Grand National Festival has been cancelled, we will not be holding a protest at Aintree or leafleting ahead of the event. Thank you to everyone who had already ordered leaflets – you can take action online to help horses.

After listening to advice regarding the Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic, it has been decided that Animal Aid will withdraw from all public indoor events until further notice. Animal Aid’s School Speakers will also be postponing school talks until further notice, unless other arrangements have been made with individual schools.

Animal Aid has a responsibility to play our part in helping prevent and slow the spread of the Coronavirus in the UK. However, we will also do all we can to ensure that we can continue our vital work as effectively as possible. During these uncertain times, your support is more important than ever to help us continue to campaign. If you can, please donate now.

Many thanks for your patience, and please keep checking our website and social media for details of how you can continue to help animals, especially through our online actions.

Best wishes,

Isobel Hutchinson
Director