With the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicking off today (20 July) in Australia and New Zealand, Battersea is showing its support for England’s Lionesses by naming some of its furry residents after the team’s football stars.
With the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicking off today (20 July) in Australia and New Zealand, Battersea is showing its support for England’s Lionesses by naming some of its furry residents after the team’s football stars.
The dogs and cats of the leading animal welfare charity will be hoping to bring the team some good luck as England play their first game on Saturday (22 July) against Haiti. Making up the team sheet for Battersea’s all-star rescue squad are two talented and energetic young players.
Leading Battersea’s canine line-up is 2-month-old puppy, Millie, named after Lioness captain Millie Bright. This loveable ball of fluff is showing her colours for England this summer and with her world-class dribbling skills, Millie has a great eye for treats and is always happy for a post-match snooze after a fun session of playing ball.
Up front in the cattery is Bethany, a sweet 4-month-old kitten. Like her England namesake, striker Bethany England, she’s a real team player and since arriving as a stray, Bethany has been scoring plenty of admirers with cattery staff who have been impressed by her ball control and fancy footwork.
Battersea Centre Manager, Rebecca MacIver, said: “Here at Battersea our staff and four-legged friends are really getting into the World Cup spirit, especially our very own talented Lionesses Millie and Bethany. Best of luck to England, we’ll all be cheering you on!”
For any animal lovers looking to hit the ‘bark of the net’ with dogs like Millie or sing ‘felines on a shirt’ with cats like Bethany this summer, please visit the Battersea website for information on rehoming a rescue dog or cat: www.battersea.org.uk/rehoming.
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For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk.
Notes to editors
- At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
- In 2022 Battersea directly cared for 2,278 dogs and 2,253 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through our Communities programme, campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
- In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.
- To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on Twitter @battersea_ , Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea.