as there are a few of you on here from South Wales and some of you may have pets I’ve relayed this article from the BBC…

RSPCA offers ‘affordable’ clinic
A RSPCA clinic is opening in a south Wales town to offer treatment at reduced rates for pet owners who find it difficult to afford vets’ bills. People in the south Wales valleys who are on means-tested benefits will be eligible to take their pets to the Merthyr Tydfil-based service.

The clinic, which opens on Tuesday, offers a range of services including surgery, neutering and micro-chipping.

The RSPCA said it would take away the worry over cost for some pet owners.

RSPCA manager for Wales, Kate Jones, said the clinic aimed to make professional treatment affordable.

“A lot of people are put off from taking their animal to a vet because of the costs they may have to face.

“This facility will allow people to get the treatment they need for their animal without worrying about the cost of it.”

A lot of people are put off from taking their animal to a vet because of the costs they may have to face
RSPCA Manager for Wales, Kate Jones
She said that although the centre is based in Merthyr, it was designed to cover the whole south Wales valleys area.

Jean Howarth was one of the first people to use the service.

She said she often has to borrow money to pay for treatment for her dog.

“Places like this – you’re quite glad of the help you can get.”

People on benefits may be able to save up to a three quarters of their normal veterinary bills by using the clinic.

With one fifth of people in Merthyr Tydfil on incapacity benefit, it is hoped many more people in the area will now be able to afford treatment for their pets.

Molly Wilson from the RSPCA said the centre will encourage people to seek professional help for injured animals.

“People try to treat it themselves, or they get advice from people who think they know how to treat it.

“By the time the professional gets it its too late to treat it.”

The clinic was funded by investment by RSPCA Cymru Wales and branches in Wales, and a donation from the Beryl Thomas Animal Welfare Trust.

Vets at the centre say they hope to treat up to 50 pets a day when it officially opens for business on Tuesday.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/wales/4238568.stm

Published: 2005/09/12 16:15:38 GMT

© BBC MMV