Free vet hospital plan celebrated

PDSA offers free treatment for pets whose owners are on benefits

A plan to introduce free veterinary care in Belfast for pets of people in need is being celebrated at a reception in the city on Tuesday.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals PetAid hospital aims to open its doors to about 100 sick pets per day before the end of the year.

All treatment will be free for any owner on housing benefit in the catchment area.

A reception is being held at the NICVA offices to mark the initiative.

PDSA currently operates 42 PetAid hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales, treating about 4,650 sick or injured animals every working day.

It was founded in 1917 by Maria Dickin, an animal welfare pioneer.

The Belfast hospital, being built at a cost of £750,000, aims to help the most vulnerable people in the community.

The charity says many of these would be pensioners, some of them living alone with only their pet for companionship.

It will offer consulting rooms, an operating theatre, x-ray room, recovery wards and a dispensary.

The hospital will also serve other parts of County Antrim, north Down and north Armagh, including towns and cities like Lisburn, Ballymena, Bangor and Craigavon.