Staff from Dogs Trust Ballymena recently welcomed a ‘pawlitical’ guest to their Rehoming Centre with a visit from Pam Cameron, MLA for South Antrim.
Pam enjoyed a tour of the kennels where she met current residents including terrier-cross Rosie, who is soon to leave Ballymena for her forever home.
During the tour, Pam talked to centre staff about the current issues impacting dog welfare in the country, including the cost-of-living crisis and the large-scale breeding establishments which operate in Northern Ireland. She also saw the building work, which is currently underway at the centre, which will allow Dogs Trust to look after and rehome more dogs once complete.
Pam Cameron MLA said:
"It was a pleasure to visit Dogs Trust Ballymena and I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work that this amazing charity does. Having adopted my two fabulous dogs, Buddy and Lenny from Dogs Trust Ballymena, I would highly recommend rehoming a rescue dog to anyone considering taking on the responsibility of a four-legged friend.
“It is clear that Northern Ireland would benefit from better animal welfare legislation and so I welcome that my colleague Keith Buchanan is taking forward a Private Members Bill in the NI Assembly to better regulate the sale of puppies and kittens. I look forward to following and supporting its passage through the Assembly.”
Conor O’Kane, Ballymena Rehoming Centre Manager said:
“We were delighted to welcome Pam to our Rehoming Centre. Having adopted two dogs from us, we are very grateful for her support spreading the message that rehoming a rescue dog can be a really positive, life changing experience for both the family and the dog.
"This support is especially important at the current time when we are receiving a record number of rehoming enquiries due to the cost-of-living crisis.”
Anyone interested in rehoming or fostering a dog through Dogs Trust should visit the charity’s website for more information: