The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, recently visited the Blue Cross Rehoming Centre in West End to meet with staff, volunteers and furry residents.
Opened in 1988, and set in a peaceful rural environment, the centre houses unwanted cats and dogs in a safe and loving environment until the right person is found and they move to a new home. With over 100 volunteers including those that work at the centre and others that foster in their own homes, this animal sanctuary is a haven for animal lovers.
Commenting on Fridays visit, Eastleigh MP and DCMS Minister Mims Davies said:
“It was my absolute pleasure meeting staff, volunteers and gorgeous cats, kittens and dogs at the Blue Cross centre last week in West End. As a dog owner myself, I know how much comfort and love our animals bring to so many of us and I would certainly not be without my trusted pooch, TJ. The visit was also a great opportunity to join the local team in welcoming the Government’s action to improve animal welfare, with the Bill to increase sentencing for animal abuse to 5 years before Parliament this week!
“It’s heart-breaking when home circumstances change, through any number of reasons - a family break-up, bereavement, moving to a new house - and animals can no longer be cared for by their owners. This is where centres like the Blue Cross step in and support owners to rehome their pets. With so many willing volunteers to help, owners can be reassured their pets will be cared for and loved before moving to a new family.
“As Minister for Loneliness, I’m also absolutely recognise how important our pets are in helping to combat loneliness, isolation and improve our mental health and I’m delighted that more care homes, schools and colleges are encouraging pets into their buildings as a way of alleviating stress and encouraging companionship”.
Following the visit, Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross said:
“We were really pleased to have the opportunity to invite Mims back to our Southampton West End centre and introduce her to some of the animals and team, including our dedicated volunteers. It was great to get the chance to discuss some of the animal welfare issues we are working on and to talk about the important role pets play in their owner’s lives. It was lovely to see Mims interact with the animals and we look forward to meeting her again in the future”.
As Eastleigh’s MP, Mims has always looked to support local organisations, regularly meeting with them across the constituency and representing their views in Westminster. If you would like Mims to come and visit you, please contact Mims on mims.davies.mp@parliament.uk