Minister Jim Fairlie visits Glasgow Dogs Trust Centre to discuss welfare

A minister recently visited an animal shelter in Glasgow to discuss dog welfare issues.

Jim Fairlie MSP, the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, met with staff and current residents at the Dogs Trust Glasgow Rehoming Centre last week.

During his visit, he was given a tour of the centre by Paula Boyden, director of Dogs Trust Veterinary and Claire Cairney, assistant manager at Glasgow Rehoming Centre.

The MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire was then introduced to border collie Shadow who is currently looking for her forever home.

The charity's team discussed with Mr Fairlie about the centre's daily work caring for and rehabilitating and rehoming rescue dogs like Shadow, as well as issues such as inherited health issues.

Mr Fairlie said: "It was an absolute pleasure to meet with Paula and the team at the Glasgow Rehoming Centre.

"Seeing the care and dedication that all the staff put into their work was nothing short of inspiring.

"This Government continues to take animal welfare very seriously.

"I welcomed the opportunity to talk to Dogs Trust staff to discuss how we can work together to ensure Scotland’s high standards of animal welfare continue."

Ms Boyden said the team was thrilled to welcome the minister.

She added: "It was great to have the opportunity to discuss current issues affecting dog welfare including poor breeding practices and extending current licensing legislation to include dog related industries such as dog walking and grooming.

"We are grateful to the Minister and the Scottish Government for their continued commitment to animal welfare and very much look forward to working together to improve the lives of dogs throughout Scotland."

For more information about Shadow and all the dogs currently available for adoption at Dogs Trust Glasgow, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/glasgow.