Schools urged to take up pet welfare talks by rehoming charity

TV naturalist Chris Packham joined forces with charity Blue Cross earlier this year to become the education ambassador.

Now, as the new academic year begins, Chris is promoting the charity’s free classroom talks to inform young pupils and pet owners about the requirements of animal safety and welfare.

Chris said: “It is very important to me to be part of encouraging current and future pet owners to learn more about the needs of the animals that share our lives.

“I feel strongly that being able to engage children in the classroom can have a huge impact for the future and how they will safeguard and protect pets and other species.”

Packham has also appeared in new videos to complement lesson plans for primary and secondary schools about pet welfare needs and responsible dog ownership.

Chris added: “I was glad to be able to record these films for Blue Cross and hope our messages can help more pets through education.”

Schools can contact The Blue Cross Education Team to provide talks to schools and groups.

Kerry Taylor, education manager at Blue Cross, said: “Sadly, pets suffer if their owners don’t know about the five welfare needs and ensure they meet these for their individual pet.

“For example, poor housing and the wrong diet for small animals like rabbits and hamsters can have devastating consequences and we often need to help these pets at our charity as a result.

“With the start of the new term we are urging teachers to book a talk now and help us to improve the lives of both pets and their owners, and stamp out cases of animal cruelty and neglect in the process.”

In 2017, Blue Cross reached more than 95,000 young people through 2,500 talks, and delivered talks and assemblies to a range of age groups in primary and secondary school.

Schools can contact the charity, which has a centre near West End, through 0300 111 8950.

The national welfare charity has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets for 120 years.