OAK TREE ANIMALS’ CHARITY HOSTS JULIE MINNS MP TO INTRODUCE HER TO LOCAL ANIMALS IN NEED

31st May 2025

Oak Tree Animals’ Charity recently welcomed Julie Minns MP to show her the work they are doing in the community and to highlight the impact of animal welfare issues on the people and pets of Carlisle and the surrounding area. 
 
Oak Tree Animals’ Charity rehomes hundreds of lost, unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned animals every year. From their base in Wetheral Shields, they reunite lost animals with their owners and find loving new homes for animals who are stray or handed in for a variety of reasons.  
 
Julie Minns, MP for Carlisle, travelled to Oak Tree Animals’ Charity to meet some of the animals in their care and take a closer look at the work of the Charity and it’s committed staff, as well as to discuss some of the issues the charity faces, such as the impact of the low welfare dog breeding, the lack of pet friendly social housing, and the ongoing challenge of creating a sustainable and financially secure future.  
 
During her visit, Julie Minns MP visited Oak Tree Animals’ Charity’s kennels, cattery, and stable yard to meet its many animal residents. She met some of the charity’s dedicated staff and volunteers who care for the animals on a daily basis, and heard about the charity’s work in the community, such as the Community Department’s A Helping Paw Scheme - helping pet owners who are facing homelessness or domestic abuse, running educational workshops for schools, and helping owners who are experiencing problems with their pet’s behaviour. 
 
Julie Minns MP was greeted on the day by the dogs cats, donkeys, goats – and horses, Ellie & Fleur (pictured) 

 
Matthew Notter, CEO of Oak Tree Animals’ Charity, said: “It was great to show Julie Minns MP around our site and tell her about the valuable work we do, the challenges we face, and our plans for the future.”