21st May 2019
The pair met employees and volunteers at the centre before enjoying a behind-the-scenes tour to meet some of the cats currently looking for new homes.
Cats Protection, the UK's leading cat welfare charity, has helped an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network which includes around 200 volunteer-run branches and 32 centres.
During the visit, the politicians found out more about the campaigning work of Cats Protection to encourage more landlords to allow tenants to keep pet cats. They also discussed the charity’s calls for the Welsh Government to introduce compulsory microchipping for pet cats and regulation of animal welfare establishments.
Dr Hussain MS said: “As the centre prepares to mark its 30th birthday, my wish is for the Welsh Government to introduce compulsory microchipping. I saw first-hand during my visit the importance of microchipping and hope the new cabinet secretary will heed our calls.”
Mr James MS said: “It was a pleasure to visit the Cats Protection Adoption Centre in Bridgend. To see first-hand the work that staff and volunteers do on a daily basis was marvellous. Centres like this couldn’t survive without the brilliant work of their volunteers and staff, so I would actively encourage those interested in helping to get in contact with the centre to find out more.”
Cats Protection Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Wales Daryl Gordon said: “We were pleased to welcome Dr Hussain and Mr James to the centre to discuss the work we do to help cats and improve feline welfare in Wales and the UK.
“We were particularly pleased to discuss the need for regulation of cat breeding and the need for compulsory microchipping of cats in Wales – something which will soon become law over the border in England. It was also good to discuss our campaign to end blanket ‘no pet’ policies which mean many renters have no hope of ever owning a pet cat. It’s great to see politicians taking a keen interest in these issues which are a big concern for many people in Wales.”
Ends
For a photo or more information, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on media.office@cats.org.uk or phone 01825 741 911.