Newbury MP Lee Dillon enjoyed an informative visit to Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre on Friday 17 April, where he witnessed first-hand the charity’s tireless work to help cats locally and across the UK.

The Liberal Democrat MP chatted with the team at the centre in Thatcham, which homes around 250 cats each year and helps many more through its neutering outreach as well as information and advice for owners.

Cats Protection Advocacy and Government Relations Officer Charlotte Broad said: “We were pleased to provide Lee Dillon MP with a behind-the-scenes tour of our Berkshire Cat Centre, to see the work done here and to introduce him to some of the cats looking for new homes.”

Mr Dillon also heard about the charity’s campaigning voice on cat welfare, Cats Protection is calling on politicians to support measures to help improve cat welfare, including regulating cat breeding.

Charlotte added: “It was a welcome opportunity to make Mr Dillon aware of our call on the Government to urgently address the abandonment of cats – one of the nation’s most popular companion animals – from their recent Animal Welfare Strategy.

“We recently delivered a petition with more than 60,000 names to 10 Downing Street urging the Government to introduce regulation of cat breeding in England. Without regulation, underage, sick or genetically compromised cats will continue to be bred and sold.

“Mr Dillon recognised that cats deserve the same protections as other animals and we hope to discuss this matter further.”

Mr Dillon said: “It was a pleasure to visit Cats Protection in Thatcham and meet the brilliant team delivering such vital work for cats locally and nationwide. The care and professionalism they show every cat is remarkable, and it was wonderful to meet some of those animals currently waiting for their forever homes.

“I was particularly struck by the charity’s campaigning work to improve cat welfare across the UK.

“It is deeply disappointing that cats were overlooked in the Government’s recent animal welfare strategy, including the failure to commit to regulating cat breeding. Cats deserve better, and I will continue to support Cats Protection in pressing for the changes needed to protect their welfare.”

Cats Protection is urging the public to add their voice to their campaign by signing an Open Letter at www.cats.org.uk.

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For more information, contact Cats Protection Media Office

media.office@cats.org.uk or 01825 741 911

 cats.org.uk/mediacentre