Last week, Rebecca Harris MP met with representatives from Blue Cross, the animal welfare charity, at an event in Parliament.

Rebecca said: “As a dog owner and lover myself, I believe we need to stop people who breed and buy dogs for the wrong reasons from being able to get them and to educate responsible owners on how best to care for their dog.”

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross said: “We invited MPs along to hear about how we believe that through collaboration and support we can, together, improve responsible dog ownership with emphasis being made on dog owners rather than demonising any particular breed.”

Irresponsible dog ownership and dog control issues are inextricably linked and can be a major problem in local communities. Dog Wardens and Police Dog Legislation Officers (DLOs) play an important role in supporting responsible dog ownership in our communities. Rebecca was pleased to hear that Essex Police do have a Dog Legislation Officer in post and that Acres Way plays a prominent role in the community to look after strays that have been removed from their owner. Rebecca has supported Acres Way ever since her election in 2010 and has had several dogs herself from them, including her current rescue Saluki Lola.

With the increasing demand for Blue Cross pet welfare services, the charity needs the support of animal lovers to continue its work helping pets and their people, in any way they can. Whether that’s by donating to keep rehoming and veterinary services going through these tough times, fundraising for Blue Cross, providing foster care for pets while loving new homes are found, volunteering at pet food banks, or signing up to support Blue Cross campaigns for better pet welfare. www.bluecross.org.uk