Black cabs are set for a splash of sunshine as Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, launches its own fleet of 18 yellow taxis. It is hoped that the taxis will raise awareness of Dogs Trust, and, in particular, its Sponsor a Dog scheme, as the cabs cruise around London for the next 12 months.

Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin, comments:

“Whilst we make every effort to find the perfect home for all our dogs, some - who may have had a particularly bad start in life - are simply happiest living outside the normal home environment. We take care of these dogs too under our Sponsor a Dog scheme.

“Our work of rescuing and rehoming is only made possible by the support of the public so spreading the word is incredibly important to us - we are very excited to be able to use these bright, cheerful taxis to help raise awareness of these special dogs.”

Sponsoring a dog for as little as £1 a week can help Dogs Trust give them all the love and care they need.  Not only will those who take out a sponsorship have the satisfaction of knowing they are helping dogs in need, they’ll also receive regular news from their chum, as well as a sponsorship pack of fabulous free gifts. You can even sponsor a dog as a gift for someone else! Dogs Trust receives no government funding, and relies totally on the generosity of its supporters to care for thousands of abandoned, unwanted and stray dogs every year.

Even the taxi drivers themselves are getting in on the act. Sean Hogg, black cab driver from Barking (you couldn’t make it up!), says:

“I sponsor Shane, a feisty tri-coloured crossbreed, from Dogs Trust. I grew up around dogs and, while it’s not practical for me to own a dog at the moment, I think it’s great that people can support man’s best friend in other ways. I’m looking forward to driving round in my bright yellow cab, it’s such a good cause and none of my fares will be able to miss me!”

All drivers of Dogs Trust cabs are keen dog lovers who will be very happy to explain to their passengers the benefits of the Sponsor a Dog scheme.

Dogs Trust, which never destroys a healthy dog, is also urging anyone who is thinking of owning a dog, to consider rehoming one from Dogs Trust. The charity has thousands of dogs of all shapes and sizes just waiting to meet their new two-legged best friend!

Get ‘The Knowledge’ on Dogs Trust at www.dogstrust.org.uk

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity with 17 Rehoming Centres across the UK. Dogs Trust cares for over 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Sally Wright     Dogs Trust press office Tel: 020 7833 7608
Sally.wright@dogstrust.org.uk            Press office mobile: 07768 616 280