Thirsk - Local pets need help more than ever says charity

2 February 2009

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Thirsk took in nearly 400 homeless and unwanted cats and last year. Happily, loving new homes have so far been found for almost all of those animals, although more pets are always arriving at the centre.

Unfortunately, in this time of financial hardship there are more abandoned animals than ever being brought to the Thirsk centre. The Blue Cross relies entirely on public donations, as it receives no government funding, so staff are appealing to local animal lovers to show their support where possible by getting involved with fundraising or making a donation.

Wendy Ellison, Blue Cross centre manager at Thirsk said: “When our new dog kennels open later this year we will be helping more homeless and unwanted pets than ever before. We are so grateful for all the local support we have received so far for our building project and hope animal lovers will keep helping us as the credit crunch continues to bite. We aim to help even more animals in the difficult times ahead – all the pets who come to us really deserve a second chance in life.”

The Blue Cross in Thirsk is looking forward to an exciting year ahead for with building work currently underway to transform the site. The new areas include state-of-the-art dog kennels, a puppy and kitten facility, an isolation block for sick pets and more. They are due to open later this year and the £1.5 million fundraising appeal is gathering pace. During the re-build the centre will not be able to take in or rehome dogs. It will continue to rehome cats as usual. Dog owners facing difficulties should call The Blue Cross on 01845 577759 for friendly advice and to make alternative arrangements.

For more information about the fundraising appeal or cats looking for homes or ways to support The Blue Cross please contact The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Thirsk on 01845 577759 or visit the centre at Parklands, Station Road, Topcliffe, Thirsk, North Yorks YO7 3SE.

-ends-

Notes to media

Images of animals at The Blue Cross Centre in Thirsk are available on request, please contact the press office.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Thirsk animal adoption centre was opened in 1987, and was partly converted from old boarding kennels. One building on the site was an ablution block for the RAF during the Second World War. The centre serves North Yorkshire, Teeside and parts of West Yorkshire. A new cattery and reception was built in 1999.

To contact the centre please call 01845 577759. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays and Bank Holidays.

For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact

Louise Lee, 020 7932 4066 or louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk