Stars from this year’s pantomime at the Theatre Royal met lurcher Pierre during a visit on stage ahead of a performance of Aladdin to highlight Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s Winter Appeal.
Tom Lister, Jon Monie and Kaysha Nada with Casey Brown and lurcher Pierre | Photo © Theatre Royal Bath
The pantomime cast, including Tom Lister, Jon Monie and Kaysha Nada, are backing the Bath animal charity which has launched an appeal to raise £20,000 to support injured or sick rescue animals across the area.
Funds from the appeal will provide the emergency medical and ongoing care often urgently needed when rescue animals arrive at the Home.
West End and Emmerdale star Tom Lister, who plays Abanazar, in the Theatre Royal’s pantomime Aladdin, said: “It’s a really challenging time for Bath Cats and Dogs Home who continue to provide amazing care for large numbers of animals in need at the coldest time of year.
“The Winter Appeal is raising crucial funds for dogs like Pierre and all the other animals the charity has taken in.
“Any contribution you can give will make a big difference and immediately benefit animals rescued and cared for at the Home.”
Pantomime favourite, Bath’s own Jon Monie, who stars as Wishee Washee, said: “I’m a huge fan of the incredible work that Bath Cats and Dogs Home do to support animals all year round.
“So far this year they have cared for 759 dogs and cats, many abandoned because of the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of the pandemic.
“Anyone who has contributed already is making wishes come true for the animals and staff at the Home. The Winter Appeal continues until mid-January so there’s still plenty of time to donate if you can.”
Bath Cats and Dogs Home has seen a huge rise in stray animals arriving from across Bath and North East Somerset and parts of Somerset and Wiltshire.
Animals who have been neglected, abandoned or mistreated are frequently brought in by Dog Wardens or the RSPCA, but this winter the charity is also seeing an increase in rescue animals arriving with complex medical problems, making funds raised by the appeal more crucial than ever.
Michaela Taylor, Head Veterinarian at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, said: “It is always so moving seeing animals bounce back after surgery and treatment.
“Many more sick animals are arriving with us lately and we often have to operate quickly to give them the best chance of recovery.
“It is thanks to fundraising appeals like this that we have the equipment and supplies on hand to help the animals recover and get ready to find their forever homes.
“Thank you so much for supporting our appeal from all our fantastic rescue animals.”
If you are able to support the appeal and provide funds for urgent medical care for rescue animals, visit www.bcdh.org.uk.
