Crufts drives Birmingham crazy for dogs
As Birmingham prepares to host Crufts, the world’s biggest dog show at the NEC on 6-9 March, the city’s black cab drivers have announced their allegiance to man’s best friend.
The great British icon, the black cab, is proudly flying the flag for the nation’s dog lovers and their canine companions by getting on board the Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs campaign.
Birmingham and Solihull Taxi Association, located at Birmingham International Station and TOA black cabs, have got on board with the sticker campaign so that people can easily see which of their taxi drivers will welcome dogs on board.
This comes after the Purple Hotel in Birmingham, which re-branded in February with the help of the 2007 Crufts Best in Show winner, Fabulous Willy, also announced that it is Open for Dogs.
Mike Shingler, spokesperson of Birmingham and Solihull Taxi Association, said: “Crufts is a British institution and demonstrates just how many dog lovers there are throughout the country so it is only fitting that black cabs, another British icon, should welcome well-behaved dog citizens.
“Dog owners should have the same kind of access to transport as anyone else and these stickers will make it that bit easier for people to locate those taxi-drivers who welcome dogs inside their vehicles.”
Birmingham’s businesses are following in the footsteps of hundreds of others throughout the county that are getting involved with the campaign.
Speaking on behalf of the Kennel Club, Caroline Kisko said: “Most people feel as dearly toward their dog as they do towards a member of their family so we are delighted that the barriers for dogs and their owners are starting to come down.
“Dogs are not only a source of companionship but they help to build relationships and create a more friendly and relaxed atmosphere, so there are plenty of places that can benefit by making it clear that they are open for dogs.”
People looking for places where they can take their dog can now tap into the Open for Dogs website, which provides website links to all those places that are on board with the campaign.
Responsible dog owners have a crucial part to play in helping to break down barriers for dogs. The Kennel Club runs the Good Citizen Dog Scheme, which promotes the importance of training for dogs and their owners and encourages good practice, including the need for people to clean up after their dogs.
The Kennel Club supports local authorities that encourage Responsible Dog Ownership through sponsorship campaigns, information packs and each year awards financial backing to councils who actively and effectively promote the scheme.
- Date:
- 03-Mar-08
- Last updated on:
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