The Blue Cross proposes changes to help more needy pets

26 January 2010

The Blue Cross proposes changes to help more needy pets

The Blue Cross, one of the UK’s leading animal charities, has announced plans to reallocate resources across the UK in a drive to help more sick and homeless animals in areas of greatest need.

In 2009 The Blue Cross helped many animals in need, carrying out over 100,000 veterinary consultations and procedures for the pets of owners on low incomes and finding loving new homes for over 6,000 unwanted and abandoned dogs, cats, horses and small pets. 

Over the last six months, The Blue Cross has undertaken a widespread review of animal welfare needs and its ability to meet those needs through its network of animal adoption centres, equine centres and animal hospitals nationwide.  Extensive research conducted by the charity identified that animal welfare issues in some areas of the country, such as the North West, are not being sufficiently addressed.  

As a result, The Blue Cross has developed a new strategy to focus its efforts and investment in areas where it can have the greatest impact on animal welfare needs. It is also proposing to close two animal adoption centres and an equine rest and retirement centre in areas of lower demand, Felixstowe and Northiam (East Sussex).  Proposals are currently being discussed with staff.

The Blue Cross chief executive Kim Hamilton said: “Our charitable funds are becoming increasingly stretched, especially in the current financial climate, while animal welfare issues across the country are changing.  The proposals we are discussing with staff aim to help more vulnerable animals and owners nationwide by focusing our limited resources in areas where we can achieve more.”

The Blue Cross centres in Felixstowe and Northiam have successfully supported local animals and their owners for years, but they are both outdated and no longer fit for purpose.  Unfortunately, the size and location of both sites make them unsuitable for redevelopment, and research indicates that the significant costs involved could benefit up to 56% more needy animals if invested in a new integrated veterinary and rehoming facility elsewhere. 

In the event of a decision to close the sites, operations at both locations would wind down over the following few months, with any animals who have not been rehomed being transferred to other Blue Cross centres across the UK to continue their search for new homes.  Telephone advice from The Blue Cross would be available for those people who might need to give up their pet or they would be referred to other local animal welfare organisations. 

Kim Hamilton continued: “In over 100 years of caring for needy animals, The Blue Cross has responded to many changes in the field of animal welfare and we continue to do so today.  We are very grateful to our staff, volunteers and supporters who have worked tirelessly over the years to provide a brighter future for so many animals, and will provide as much support as possible to those who would be affected by the proposed closures.”

Anyone with a query about the changes proposed by The Blue Cross should contact the charity’s supporter care team on 0300 790 9903 or visit www.bluecross.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Further information on the proposals to invest in new areas of the country and close The Blue Cross centres at Felixstowe and Northiam will be published following a consultation with staff.

The Blue Cross research considered several factors relating to animal welfare and used rigorous statistical analysis, internal benchmarking and predictive modellingto determine the potential Blue Cross impact on animal welfare needs nationwide.  More information is available on request.

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. 

The charity does not receive any government funding so it relies on fundraising and public donations to continue its vital work.  For more information please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.  

Media contacts

The Blue Cross press office, 020 7932 4060, press@bluecross.org.uk