As Dogs Trust Merseyside embarks on “Responsible Dog Ownership Week” MP Edward O’Hara and Kym Ryder urge locals to join in!

Dogs Trust Merseyside is very proud to announce the launch of their Responsible Dog Ownership initiative from 23rd July until 26th July 2007 during which Dogs Trust plans to deliver a host of free activities providing support and education to the local community. The event has also been devised to show just how wonderful rescue dogs, of any breed, can be.

Dogs Trust have decided to hold this event in response to recent events in Liverpool- such as the tragic death of Ellie Lawrenson at the start of the year and the “dangerous dog amnesty” orchestrated by the council more recently- these events have had a detrimental impact on the Rehoming Centre and seem to have made the community very wary. Sadly, Dogs Trust Merseyside has been affected but is determined to warm the hearts of Liverpool once again.

Kym Ryder, star of Coronation Street and celebrity supporter of Dogs Trust comments:
 
“I am delighted to be a part of and fully support this wonderful initiative by Dogs Trust. I was deeply saddened to hear that Dogs Trust Merseyside has been struggling to rehome their gorgeous residents and I feel that a Responsible Dog Ownership Week is a fantastic way of raising the profile of dogs as well as educating people about being responsible with their dogs. I am a dog lover myself and being a dog owner I understand just how important an event like this is.”

Responsible Dog Ownership Week will be dedicated to educating people in the local area through “responsible” doggy activities. Everyone is welcome to visit the Rehoming Centre throughout the week and the schedule is as follows:

Monday 23 July- Launch of “Responsible Dog Ownership” Week at Dogs Trust Merseyside.

Tuesday 24 July- Free Micochipping, Health Checks and advice on Neutering given by our wonderful staff who will be on hand to answer any questions. Dogs Trust Merseyside vet will also be on hand. 12pm-4pm.

Wednesday 25 July-  Behavioural Evening – 6pm.  Dogs Trust Merseyside will play host to a Behavioural Evening where a range of expert speakers will discuss common behavioural problems and the best ways to overcome them.  The evening will shape up as follows:
• Lynn Barber Head Training and Behaviour Advisor (TBA) Dogs Trust – Behavioural Overview
• Lisa MacDonald Assistant Manager, Dogs Trust Bridgend - Stereotypical behaviour in the home
• Rachel Kitson TBA, Dogs Trust Bridgend - Common house problems/House Training Chewing etc
• Steve Goward TBA Dogs Trust Roden - Learning sets & the well of negativity
• Q&A session

To book a place at this evening please call 01514826425

Thursday 26 July- FREE Training afternoon- The interactive theme continues on Thursday with an “everyone welcome” afternoon of dog training, with Lynn Barber and others. Please do call Dogs Trust Merseyside on 0151 480 0660 and ask for Michelle to guarantee an appointment. 12pm- 4pm

Edward O’Hara, MP for Knowsley South, comments;

“I fully support this initiative and I am delighted to put my name to such a worthwhile event. I think it is wonderful that Dogs Trust is offering all this free knowledge, advice and hands-on help. I truly hope that this week will open the eyes of those people who have not always been responsible dog owners. We urge everyone, please do come down to visit Dogs Trust Merseyside throughout the week, there’s bound to be something to learn”

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, and cares for over 15,000 dogs every year through a network of 17 rehoming centres. Dogs Trust never destroys a healthy dog in its care.

To find out more about Responsible Dogs Ownership Week and the work at Dogs Trust Merseyside please call the Rehoming Centre directly on 01514800660 and please do visit Dogs Trust Merseyside, Whiston Lane, Huyton, L36 6HP

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Journalists, photographers and film crews are welcome to visit Dogs Trust Merseyside to interview the staff and dogs at the Rehoming Centre.

For further information, please contact:

Sinead Scott-Lennon  Dogs Trust Press Officer 

Tel: 020 7833 7650   Email: sinead.scott-lennon@dogstrust.org.uk

Nicole McIlveen  Dogs Trust Supporter Relations Officer

Tel: 0151 482 6425  Email: nicolemcilveen@dogstrust.org.uk

Or visit the online press office at www.dogstrust.org.uk

Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.