The Blue Cross says: “Please don’t dump your dog”

19 June 2008

Staff from The Blue Cross animal charity were recently saddened to discover a four-year-old rottweiler abandoned at their mobile veterinary clinic in Islington, North London. The dog was left with a note explaining that her name was Rosie and her owners could no longer afford to keep her.

Rosie was left tied to railings outside Islington Town Hall in Upper Street where The Blue Cross mobile vet clinic treats the pets of people who cannot afford private vet fees. The note reads: ”Hello. I’m Rosie. I’m 4 years old. I’m friendly. My owners can’t afford me! Please help. XXX”

Rosie was taken to The Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria where she received veterinary treatment for an eye problem. She has now been transferred to the charity’s animal adoption centre in Southampton where she will be found a loving new home.

Nihal Kay, Blue Cross veterinary surgeon said: “It is such a shame Rosie’s owners have abandoned her because there is so much support available for people struggling to look after their pets. Rosie is a healthy, friendly girl, although she could do with losing some weight. She had some minor surgery for a common eye problem but otherwise she is a lovely dog and we hope she finds a loving new home soon.”

Louise Lee, Blue Cross spokesperson added: “Charities like The Blue Cross are here to help pet owners who may be facing difficult times financially. We ask that anyone struggling to cope should always get help before deciding to give up their pets because there may be a way to keep them together. If needed we can help find them loving new homes but without essential information about a pet’s personality and special needs it will take us much longer.”

Pet owners facing difficulties with keeping their pet should contact The Blue Cross for advice on 01993 822651.

Ends

Notes to editors

Image of Rosie with Katrina Packer, Blue Cross animal welfare assistant is available. Please contact the press office.

Blue Cross mobile clinic services offer charitable veterinary treatment for pets of people on means tested benefit or low incomes who struggle to reach the hospitals.  The clinic goes to Hackney Town Hall car park every Wednesday, Bethnal Green Market every Monday, Islington Town Hall every Thursday and Walthamstow every Friday. Opening times are from 10.00am to 12.00pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

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.

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

Media contact

Louise Lee, The Blue Cross press office, 020 7932 4066 or 07880 781637.