The Blue Cross take the lead for homeless pets in north Devon

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Tiverton is holding a fun canal walk to raise funds for the homeless pets in its care. The charity is appealing for supporters to join Misty the dog and Blue Cross volunteers on Sunday 13 May to walk as far as possible alongside the beautiful 11 mile stretch of the Tiverton canal.

The money raised through sponsorship will help animals like Monty, a Labrador cross who was found tied to the front gate of the Blue Cross Tiverton centre last month. Monty’s collar contained a note saying that he was two years old and he needed a new home because his owner could no longer look after him. The Blue Cross took him in and after he was vaccinated and neutered he was ready for a new home. Happily, Monty has now found new owners to look after him but the charity needs continued financial support to help hundreds of other animals like Monty every year.

Sally Dawes, from The Blue Cross centre at Tiverton said: “We’re really looking forward to this year’s walk and I hope lots of supporters join Misty for a fun day out. If you can’t do the walk yourself then why not sponsor Misty? The money raised will be essential to help us look after the animals we have at the centre and find them loving new owners.” 

There will be a prize for the supporter that raises the most funds and special rosettes will be given to all dogs taking part.

For more information about the canal walk and registering to take part please contact Sally at The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Tiverton on 01884 855291 or visit The Blue Cross at Chilton Gate, Bickleigh, Tiverton, EX16 8RS.

Media contact: Louise Lee
Direct line: 0207 932 4066
Mobile: 07958921912

Notes to editors

Images available of Monty

A Fun day in aid of the Blue Cross animal adoption centre at Tiverton will be held on Sunday 6 May 2007 between 11.00am-3.00pm at Shobrooke Park, Credition.

Tiverton animal adoption centre opened in 1985 and is now one of the charity’s largest centres. Located in central Devon, it serves a wide base of the local community, covering Tiverton, Exeter, Crediton, Cullompton, Wellington, Taunton, Barnstaple and North Devon with a large rural catchment area between.

In 1990 a new kennel block was built holding 32 kennels, and 16 cat units as well as an isolation unit for both cats and dogs. In 1999 a further isolation block was built, accommodating 14 cat units for nursing mums and kittens and new arrivals, as well as a puppy/dog isolation unit with three kennels. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the centre please call 01884 855291. Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday & Friday – Sunday & Bank Holidays: 11am - 4pm.  Closed on Thursdays

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.