This week, Secretary of State for Wales and MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, Alun Cairns, visited Dogs Trust Bridgend and was greeted by plenty of waggy tails from dogs looking for their forever homes.
Mr Cairns was given a tour of the rehoming centre and met a number of dogs currently awaiting their forever homes, including Banksy the five-month-old Labrador.
Speaking following the visit, Angela Wetherall, Dogs Trust Bridgend Rehoming Centre Manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome Alun to Dogs Trust Bridgend and it was a great opportunity to show him first hand the work we do for the dogs in our care. There are exciting times ahead for us and we look forward to working more with Alun in the future.”
“It was a privilege to see the wonderful efforts of staff at the rehoming centre who work so tirelessly to ensure all unwanted, abandoned and stray dogs are cared for so well.”
Dogs Trust’s Campaign Manager for Wales, Rachel Burr, and Dogs Trust Veterinary director, Paula Boyden was also on hand to talk about tackling dog welfare issues in Wales.
Dogs Trust’s Campaign Manager for Wales, Rachel Burr, added: “Alun’s visit was a great opportunity to discuss our priorities for dog welfare in Wales, particularly our concerns about dog breeding practices and the illegal importation of puppies. It was fantastic to hear his interest in our most recent puppy smuggling campaign as well as our ongoing projects.”
Alun Cairns MP, commented: "I really enjoyed my visit to Dogs Trust Bridgend and it was a fantastic opportunity for me to witness first hand the work the staff at the centre do and meet some of the dogs being cared for.
“We were able to discuss the charity’s concerns for the welfare of dogs across Wales which I fully support.
“It was a privilege to see the wonderful efforts of staff at the rehoming centre who work so tirelessly to ensure all unwanted dogs are cared for so well.”
Up to 80 dogs can be cared for in the centre at any one time and in the last year Dogs Trust rehomed more than 700 dogs in Wales alone.
Dogs Trust cares for more than 15,000 dogs each year in its 21 rehoming centres across the UK and Ireland. For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk