Sunday Life Campaign to Abolish Puppy Farming Wins Making a Difference

Sunday Life’s campaign to expose and abolish the cruel practice of illegal puppy farming has won the Making a Difference award for the best local newspaper campaign. 

 The result of the online public vote was announced by News Media Association chairman Adrian Jeakings at the Society of Editors Regional Press Awards today (Friday 15 May) during Local Newspaper Week (11 – 17 May).

 Thousands of votes were cast in the Making a Difference vote which saw 37 powerful local newspaper campaigns showcased and the public invited to vote for their favourite.

 Making a  Difference has received widespread from high profile figures including television star Deborah Meaden, co-host of The One Show Alex Jones, Hollywood actor Michael Sheen and radio presenter Nick Ferrari, as well as MPs such as Tim Farron and Julie Elliott.

Announcing the outcome at the Society of Editors Regional Press Awards today NMA chairman Mr Jeakings said: “Digital technology has given us new platforms on which to do this important job but fundamentally our role is the same as it always has been and just as important to the people in those communities. 

 “The entries for this year’s Local Newspaper Week and the Making a Difference award have illustrated perfectly how the industry has harnessed new technology to do the things it does so well even faster and more effectively – whether it’s pushing for improved transport links, raising funds for flood victims or any of the other things that we do that make such a difference.” 

 Held in conjunction with the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Sunday Life’s campaign was the result of a year-long investigation using secret cameras and other recording devices into the cruel practice of puppy farming in Ulster.

 Forty-five dogs were being rescued and a court case in which a puppy farmer pleaded guilty and investigations into a number of other suspected puppy farms are ongoing.