Alternative views considered as The Blue Cross consultation closes

8 March 2010
Ref: National 

The Blue Cross senior management today embarked on a rigorous review of all feedback about the recent proposals to close the charity’s animal adoption centres in Felixstowe and Northiam (East Sussex), after the official staff consultation period closed on Friday (5 March). 

Over the last six weeks, chief executive Kim Hamilton and her executive team have met with all staff members and groups of volunteers at both centres to discuss their thoughts on the proposal, which aims to focus The Blue Cross’s efforts in areas where it could have a greater impact for vulnerable animals and their owners. 

Local people have made their views known through phone calls, emails, letters and donations, many praising the work of The Blue Cross.  Petitions have also been received at both centres, calling for the centres to stay open.

The Blue Cross chief executive Kim Hamilton said: “It has been heartwarming to see the overwhelming response of our local supporters for the centres and we thank them for all their emails, letters, donations and feedback that we have received.  Over the next few weeks we will explore the alternative suggestions in line with our original proposals to ensure that we make the right decision and use every pound of our supporter’s money responsibly to help as many animals as possible.”

She added: “We’ve heard the feedback from the local staff, volunteers and communities and their view that there is a need for us to remain in these areas.  During this evaluation period we will assess if and how we might maintain a presence in the local areas to address the animal welfare need while we continue to develop our strategic plans.”

It is hoped that a final decision on the future of the Felixstowe and Northiam centres will be made by the end of April.  Anyone with a query about the proposed closures should contact The Blue Cross supporter care team on 0300 790 9903.    

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Blue Cross animal adoption centres in Felixstowe and Northiam take in and finds new homes for many unwanted and abandoned cats and dogs every year, but their facilities are outdated and in desperate need of development. 

The Northiam site is also home to an equine rest and retirement centre which cares for Blue Cross horses and ponies that are not suitable for rehoming, either because they are too young, too old or have specific medical or behavioural needs. Homeless or unwanted horses in the area are taken in by Blue Cross equine rehoming centres across the UK.

Research carried out by The Blue Cross suggests that the significant costs involved in developing and continuing to run these centres could benefit up to 56% more needy animals if invested in a new integrated veterinary and rehoming facility elsewhere.

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

Laura Dobson, The Blue Cross press office, 020 7932 4065 / 07917 132 698 (out of hours), laura.dobson@bluecross.org.uk