Causeway Coast Dog Rescue to welcome Battersea Dogs and Cats Home reps to conference

Brian Grzymek, Dr Carol McClenahan,Trustee, Margaret Dimsdale-Bobby, Chair, and Tara Cunningham supporting Causeway Coast Dog Rescue. Credit Causeway Coast Dog Rescue

In response to the current animal welfare crisis in the UK and Ireland, Causeway Coast Dog Rescue (CCDR) will be welcoming Battersea Dog and Cats Home to Belfast on Wednesday as they host a conference to discuss with over 20 local dog rescue and animal welfare charities attending.

Also attending the event in the Stormont Hotel will be the Kennel Club from London, charities from Wales and Ireland, along with local MLAs and speakers from Liverpool University and Queen’s University to discuss a way forward.

Margaret Dimsdale-Bobby, Chair said: “We are disappointed that those who write legislation and are responsible for enforcing it will not be attending to discuss current conditions of animal welfare in Northern Ireland, especially with those who deliver the care and welfare of the thousands of unwanted dogs.

“With over 2,000 dogs being shipped to England each year by Councils and thousands more being surrendered to charities to then try and find homes within this country, we are all struggling to help our local communities.

“By attracting representatives from Battersea Dog and Cats Home, The Kennel Club, the Department of Agriculture in Ireland and Dublin Council with charities from all over the UK and Ireland to share their experiences is huge step forward.”

Ms Dimsdale-Bobby said that the conference would address the fact that charities are inundated with families surrendering their dogs, and the vast increase in abuse and neglect in local communities.

“Dog bites are also on the increase due to dogs developing behavioural problems and we just can’t keep putting dogs down, this is not the solution,” she added.

She continued: “I personally thank the extensive range of speakers we have secured for the event, and to Pets at Home, Pets Foundation which sponsored the event which will also be attending. So many delegates are travelling from outside the country with expertise to support the CCDR and my colleagues. This is an important day.”