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Organisations Urge MPs To Recognise The Transformative Power Of The Human-Companion Animal Bond

2 weeks ago
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Posted
28th January, 2025 13h33


Call for Policies to Support Both Human and Canine Welfare

Leading human and canine welfare organisations are urging MPs to champion policies that acknowledge the power of the human-companion animal bond to increase physical and mental wellbeing.

On Tuesday 21 January, 39 MPs, including Becky Gittins (Labour, Clwyd East), Anne Davies (Plaid Cymru, Caerfyrddin), Rosie Duffield (Independent, Canterbury) and Carla Lockhart (DUP, Upper Bann), attended a parliamentary drop-in at Westminster. The event was hosted by vets Dr Marc Abraham OBE, Dr Belinda ‘Bin’ Johnston, founder of the charity Our Special Friends (OSF), and Dr Elizabeth Ormerod, Chair of the  Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) to showcase the approach and range of animal companionship support services currently improving the lives of people experiencing vulnerability across the UK.

Following the drop-in, a well-attended meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) took place in the Palace of Westminster, hosted by Dr Abraham.  The event was jointly organised by OSF and SCAS and featured presentations from a range of organisations that utilise the human-canine bond to enhance the welfare of people and dogs.  Speakers included:

Key themes from the discussions included:

Dr Johnston commented: “We were delighted to meet so many MPs keen to learn about the incredible ways dogs contribute to the wellbeing of millions of people across the UK every day. We were also grateful to the organisations which shared their inspiring work at the APDAWG meeting."

She continued: “Together, we’re calling on the government to:

Dr Johnston also expressed gratitude to Rosie Duffield MP, chair of APDAWG, and Dr Abraham for hosting the event, as well as to Agria Pet Insurance for supporting the evening.

Dr Abraham said: “It was an honour for APDAWG to host the parliamentary drop-in and meeting in Westminster, in partnership with OSF and SCAS. Together, with some truly incredibly inspiring speakers, we demonstrated the unquestionable benefits of animal-assisted services, including offering emotional support, improved mental health, and physical benefits, while addressing the importance of undertaking these interactions safely for both people and dogs.

“We need the support of parliamentarians to deliver these services on a national scale and, underpinned by a spirit of evidence, kindness, and collaboration, these meetings were an important first step in making this happen." 

Notes to editors:

About the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG)

The All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) is an All-Party Parliamentary Group set up in 2017 to explore, highlight, discuss, and challenge dog-related activities, legislation, and trends with the overall aim of improving the health and welfare of the UK's dogs and dog owners – and society in general. APDAWG is chaired by Rosie Duffield MP, with vice-chairs Ruth Jones MP, Danny Chambers MP, and The Earl of Courtown. Many other cross-party parliamentarians, campaigners and animal organisations lend APDAWG their generous support. 

About Our Special Friends (OSF)

Based in Newmarket, Suffolk, Our Special Friends provides a pioneering community outreach approach that enhances the lives of vulnerable individuals and animals through animal companionship support services.

For further information or interview requests, please contact:

Rebecca George, George PR
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 7974 161108


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