Pet charity goes on the beat with The Bill

Britain’s pet charity, The Blue Cross, today teamed up with the cast of ITV1 police drama The Bill to encourage people to take part in Take Your Dog To Work Day on 14 September 2007.

The actors’ support for the annual fundraising event coincides with the introduction of The Bill’s first animal character.  Harry, a terrier cross, is adopted by PC Roger Valentine, played by actor John Bowler, after a criminal gang leaves him homeless.  Fittingly, all the money raised for Take Your Dog To Work Day will go towards the thousands of sick and homeless animals helped by The Blue Cross at its adoption centres and hospitals every year.

John Bowler explained his support for the event: “Take Your Dog To Work Day is a fun way to include your dog in another aspect of your life for the day.  Taking part will help to raise money for other rescue dogs like Harry who desperately need someone to give them a new home and a fresh beginning.”

Now in its 12th year, Take Your Dog To Work Day is an annual event, which encourages animal lovers around the country to take their own dogs into work for the day.  As well as raising vital funds for The Blue Cross, the event celebrates the special bond that the British people share with their dogs and encourages them to spend more time together.  This year, The Blue Cross is promoting the importance of exercising with your pet by inviting dog owners to take a break from the rat race and spend time walking their dog during their working day.

Caroline Reay, chief veterinary surgeon at The Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton said: “Most dog owners know that walking is an essential part of a dog’s daily routine, but it’s important to vary your walking routes too to help give your dog new experiences and keep them mentally agile.  If practical, walking your dog in your lunch hour can be a great way for you both to exercise and take a break from the demands of work.”

Setting a good example, The Bill actors John Bowler and Ali Bastian, who plays PC Sally Armstrong took a break from filming today to accompany Harry on a special Take Your Dog to Work Day walk on set in Merton, south London.  Harry led the way dressed in police attire, closely followed by the cast and Blue Cross veterinary staff, who tracked their steps with Take Your Dog To Work Day pedometers, available to the first 500 supporters who register to take part online.

To help dog owners discover a range of top dog walks, The Blue Cross and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, sponsors of Take Your Dog To Work Day, are inviting the public to nominate their favourite dog walk online at www.21topdogwalks.co.uk.  The most popular walks will be announced later this year. 

Media contact: Ziela Haider
Direct line: 0207 932 4063
Mobile: 07816 904 721 

Notes to editors

Images of The Bill cast ‘on the beat’ with Harry are available via PA and The Blue Cross press office on 0207 932 4060 or press@bluecross.org.uk.  An image of the Take Your Dog To Work Day pedometer is also available upon request.

Celebrity and Blue Cross interviews are available upon request.

Take Your Dog To Work Day is sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition; www.hillspet.com. To register please visit www.takeyourdogtoworkday.co.uk 

Those who are unable to take part this year can also help The Blue Cross by visiting www.clicknow.org.uk/bluecross, a search engine that allows users to raise money for the charity of their choice, for free.

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.

The Bill is on ITV1 between 8 and 9pm every Wednesday and Thursday.  Harry is an acting dog and makes his first appearance on The Bill in early August.  He is a terrier cross and approximately ten years old (70 in dog years).