MP James Cartlidge visits Blue Cross centre in Wherstead

James Cartlidge, who is MP for South Suffolk, met the team who care for pets at Blue Cross's centre in Wherstead. 

The centre has helped nearly 300 cats, dogs and small animals this year. 

During his visit Mr Cartlidge met three-year-old cat Velcro, who came into the centre after her owner passed away, 11-year-old Jack Russell Terrier Belle, who came to the centre after her owner became too ill to care for her, and French bulldog Chino who came from a home which could no longer care for him. 

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Mr Cartlidge said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Wherstead. 

"Their hardworking staff and volunteers do a brilliant job looking after dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and all manners of fauna before they find their forever home.

"Every pet deserves a loving home, and a particular highlight was meeting Belle who I hope will find hers very soon.

Charles White, MP James Cartlidge and Belle the Jack Russell Terrier (Image: Blue Cross)READ MORE: 'Truly inspiring' - estate gardener celebrates prestigious award win

The centre opened in 2016 having moved from its former base in Felixstowe after 40 years to get more space to help more pets.

Its facilities include puppy and kitten areas, an on-site veterinary clinic, maternity unit, clinical suite for operations and dedicated exercise areas including a neighbouring woodland.

Centre manager Charles White said: "It was great to welcome James to our centre and talk to him about our charity's work here at Blue Cross.

"We talked about the challenges facing owners with the increased cost of living and the support our teams are providing to keep owners and their pets together where we can. 

"We also discussed some of our charity's campaigns including our petition for a phased end to greyhound racing."