Harlesden-based documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux has officially opened the Mayhew Animal Home’s expanded new veterinary clinic.
The award-winning celebrity, who is also a journalist, cut the ribbon to unveil the new building at the charity in Trenmar Garden, Kensal Green.
The rehoming centre and animal welfare charity, which celebrates its 130th birthday this year, has expanded its vet clinic to have two new operating theatres.
The expansion, named The Jeanne Marchig Veterinary Suite and Training Wing, will allow the Mayhew to reach and help even more animals in need in the community including free and low cost vaccinations and microchipping.
The Mayhew will also expand its community animal welfare programmes.
The expansion was made able through generous donations including funds from The Marchig Animal Welfare Trust, The Shuman Animal Welfare Trust and Support Adoption for Pets.
Mr Theroux said: “Mahatma Gandhi once said that the value of any society can be judged based on how it treats its animals; and this new clinic isn’t just a refurbished building, it’s a symbol of who we are as a society and how we measure up as a civilisation.”
“Animals are very like us in many ways and we have this very deep mammal based connection with cats, dogs and other animals. As much as we might want to see them as us and them, dogs, cats and other animals are us.”
Other guests at the opening Cllr Mercy Umeh, the Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham, Colin Moor, trustee of the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust.
Dr Ursula Goetz MRCVS, GP Cert(SAS) CVO, the Mayhew’s head vet and her team showed guests around the clinic expansion and even demonstrated some of the new veterinary equipment with a cuddly toy patient.
Caroline Yates, chief executive officer at The Mayhew, said: “Our newly expanded vet clinic will enable us to reach and help even more animals and pet owners in need, both in communities locally and around the world.
“We are able to provide more access to affordable preventative veterinary care and welfare, and share The Mayhew’s expertise with educational and training opportunities for veterinary and animal care professionals.”
“We would like to thank all of our donors and supporters who made the vet clinic expansion possible, without you we wouldn’t be where we are today and we are hugely appreciative to your support and generosity.”
For more information about the Mayhew visit themayhew.org.
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