South Leicestershire MP, Alberto Costa, visited Leicester Animal Aid near Huncote to hear about the charity’s recent ‘landmark’ £90,000 funding award for their Community Pet Support Scheme which helps elderly and unwell people keep their beloved pets at home.

The charity received the grant from the National Lottery Community Fund for their scheme which provides practical pet care to elderly and unwell people in the form of exercise for their pets, grooming and vet visits at no cost.

The MP visited Leicester Animal Aid to meet staff and to hear more about the charity’s Community Pet Support Scheme which helps to keep pets and owners together for those who may be vulnerable or isolated, and for whom their pet may be their only or most loyal companion.

Alberto said, “It was a huge pleasure to visit Leicester Animal Aid and to meet the tireless and wonderful staff who make this charity so important to the people of Leicestershire. They have been doing a wonderful job of rehoming pets for many years, and I was delighted to hear the news about their landmark funding award which will be used to support their fantastic Community Pet Support Scheme.

As a dog owner myself, I know just how important our pets are, and even more so to those who may be elderly or unwell; for these people, their pet may be their only companion, and therefore this funding is so important in allowing the Animal Aid to continue their brilliant work in ensuring that pets and owners can stay together”.

Keely Short, General Manager of Leicester Animal Aid, added, “Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can reassure our clients that we can continue to provide this life-changing support. Not only does this Service ensure pets and their owners stay together, but is an innovative way of identifying, supporting, and helping to reconnected socially isolated people with their community through a shared love of animals. This will make a big difference to people’s lives.

When Alberto visited us, it was clear that he understood the Service and the deep bond shared between our clients and their pets. Having his support is a great asset to the Service and indeed our wider work rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs and matching them with loving, responsible homes.”

Alberto is pictured above with staff from Leicester Animal Aid and Chance the dog during his recent visit.