Cheltenham Charity Film Reaches Judging Stage of National Awards

Cheltenham-based animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation is celebrating after its short animated film, A Tail of Two Dogs, reached the judging stage of the Smiley Charity Film Awards.

The film was shortlisted following a nationwide public vote, highlighting strong community support and helping a locally based organisation gain national recognition. A Tail of Two Dogs tells the story of two beagles living very different lives – one a much-loved family pet, the other bred for laboratory testing – and aims to raise awareness of animal testing practices still taking place in the UK.

Now through to the judging stage, the film will be assessed by an expert panel, with final winners announced in March 2026. The Smiley Charity Film Awards are the world’s largest cause-based film campaign, designed to give charities of all sizes a level playing field and the opportunity to reach wide audiences.

Naturewatch Foundation hopes the recognition will help drive further support for its work to end animal testing, including plans to fund research into non-animal testing methods. Find out more about Naturewatch Foundation and watch the 82-second film here.