Abandoned turkeys saved by the Butchers before Christmas

2 December 2009

Two lucky turkeys have been spared a bleak Christmas thanks to two animal loving Butchers who have come forward to offer them a home. The plucky pair were abandoned at the Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Kimpton, Hertfordshire. Thankfully, two local residents - Heidi and Peter Butcher – have taken the turkeys under their wing and given them a secure home alongside their menagerie of pets.

Staff at The Blue Cross were baffled when the turkeys - nicknamed ‘Bernadette and Matthew’ - were found flapping around inside the centre’s gates weeks before Christmas. The charity’s adoption centre only has facilities to take in cats, dogs and other small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, so staff had to improvise and provide temporary accommodation for the large birds until Mr and Mrs Butcher could collect them.

Lynda Campbell, Blue Cross centre manager at Kimpton, Hertfordshire, said: “When the turkeys were dumped on our doorstep we had no idea they'd be rescued by two Butchers! I'm glad The Blue Cross could help in this unusual case, but we'd urge people to speak to us if they're struggling to cope with an animal. We'll never judge someone for taking the responsible decision of handing in their pet, and it's much better than abandoning them.”

Mrs Butcher said: “My husband and I have kept turkeys before so we were more than happy to help The Blue Cross. They were a little nervous at first but have settled in now. They are very entertaining with their own individual personalities – their favourite game is playing football with a cabbage!”

So far this year The Blue Cross has taken in over 6,000 animals across its 11 animal adoption centres across the UK. The charity receives no government funding and is always grateful for public donations.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Images of the turkeys enjoying their new life with Mr and Mrs Butcher have been sent to picture desks

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Kimpton was established in the 1940s, and has been serving the counties of Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire ever since. The site was converted from old farmhouses and has facilities to house up to 50 dogs, 14 cats, six rabbits and five ponies. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

The Blue Cross provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine 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

Blue Cross media contact:

Press office - 020 7932 4060 / press@bluecross.org.uk