A pet charity is set to meet its public PetSavers, the charitable arm of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), will be making its first ever public appearance at this year’s BBC Countryfile Live, from 4-7 August.
The four-day event, expected to attract 80,000 visitors, takes place at Oxfordshire’s Blenheim Palace – and PetSavers, whose patron is Gyles Brandreth, will be ideally located in the Dog Arena.
Historically, the charity, started in 1974, has relied upon the generous financial support of the veterinary world.
But now, PetSavers wants to bring its backstory into the public domain, to raise awareness of the vital research work the charity does into serious pet illnesses such as: kidney disease, diabetes, cancer and heart disease; funding essential treatments, medicines and cures.
Jane Cordier, PetSavers fundraiser, said: “We hope that the show will help us launch into the public arena and will bring about a positive change. We want the public to understand and know what we have been doing for over 40 years and hope they take us into their hearts.
“This could be a big turning point for our charity.”
Patron Gyles Brandreth said: “Understanding research into human diseases and assorted health problems attracts the greatest share of available funding.
“But it is also important to support research into animal health and welfare, not only from a selfish point of view, because we gain so much from our pets, but because we all share the planet and should be mutually supportive.
“This funding is not going to come from governments so it is up to us as individuals to do what we can and redress the balance and help ensure that veterinary medicine continues to improve and reflect the enormous strides being made in human medical science.”
