Justin Tomlinson MP with constituent Ellen Watts (Justin's left) and fiancee Jo Wheeler (left of Ellen)
Dog loving MP Justin Tomlinson joined the Kennel Club and Dog Theft Action at Crufts on Sunday 11 March to present much needed microchip scanners to two well deserving Rhodesian Ridgeback welfare organisations, including local constituent Ellen Watts of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Welfare Trust as part of the Dog Theft Action Scanner Appeal.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Welfare Trust and the Midlands & Northern Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Rescue were recognised for their ongoing work in promoting responsible ownership of their breed.
Justin Tomlinson MP commented “As a dog lover and owner myself, it is my pleasure to present scanners to these organisations in recognition of the tremendous and often unnoticed work carried out by breed rescue organisations. Both offer education and advice about these beautiful dogs and provide an outstanding rescue service. I hope these scanners will go some way towards helping them to continue their great work.”
The Dog Theft Action Scanner Appeal supported by the Kennel Club aims to encourage the use of microchip scanners nationwide through the donation of scanners to deserving organisations. Scanning all dogs for microchips can avoid distress to dogs and owners and save time and valuable funds ensuring that no stolen dog is offered for rehoming.
Dog Theft Action (DTA) Chairman Neil Ewart said “we are all too aware of just how important it is that stray dogs and those donated to welfare charities are scanned for microchips prior to re-homing, as they may actually be stolen dogs whose owners are desperately searching for them. Our organisation is continuing to fundraise to donate scanners to deserving organisations in support of the outstanding work they do. DTA is very grateful to Mr Tomlinson for presenting these scanners on our behalf.”
The presentation took place at Crufts, a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. The show recognises the varied roles that dogs play in society and highlights the many different disciplines and activities in which dogs are involved. The Kennel Club, organiser of Crufts, is the UK’s largest organisation dedicated to the health and welfare of dogs. At its heart are programmes and investments in education and health initiatives to help dogs across the UK to live long, healthy, happy lives with responsible owners.
Useful links:
www.dogtheftaction.com
www.rhodesianridgebackwelfaretrust.com
www.ridgebackrescue.co.uk
www.pet-works.net
www.petlog.org.uk
