A Wigan man has trekked a whopping 232 miles all the way to Downing Street to hand-deliver a petition that’s appealing to “regulate” online animal sales.
And he did it all in the name of his beloved puppy who passed away – Reggie.
Richard Ackers – who lives in the Wigan village of Abram – decided that he wanted to contribute towards urging the UK government to change the law on the unregulated sales of domestic animals following the devastating death of his Fox Red Labrador puppy.
Richard said that while he had bought the puppy “in good faith”, he was unaware that it had actually been bred in an illegal puppy farm, and Reggie sadly died just days after Richard took him home and welcomed him into the family.
The cause of Reggie’s death was later confirmed as Canine Parvovirus – a disease with a high mortality rate in unvaccinated pups.
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Reggie’s death triggered the launch of the campaign – Justice For Reggie.
This is Reggie. He found his family through a reputable website. The family met Reggie – everything seemed fine. Hours later, Reggie was ill. Days later, Reggie was dead 💔 Puppy farmed. Online sales should be regulated. Agree? #reggieslaw#RETWEEEThttps://t.co/sFM6d2LW2gpic.twitter.com/3SobBIYnyf
— JusticeforReggie (@JusticeforRegg1) June 8, 2021
The campaign has not only gained a significant following and outpouring of support from members of the public on social media, who were touched by Richards’s story and may likely have experienced something similar, but it has also since won backing from MPs, the Home Office, various celebrities, and rescue organisations such as the RSPCA, along with help from volunteers across England and Wales.
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The petition for the proposed law – which is known as ‘Reggie’s Law’ – has also gained close to 110,000 signatures in just over twelve weeks, and will soon be up for debate in Parliament.
But not content with the petition being sent off online, and in a bid to really get his message heard, Richard decided to take matters into his own hands and walk all the way to the doorstep at Number 10 to hand-deliver the petition.
Richard set off on his journey last Wednesday 1 December, and reached Downing Street on Tuesday at around 1:30pm.
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Speaking on his incredible achievement, Richard said: “I am totally blown away with the amount of support I’ve received so far in such a short space of time, if I can get the laws around animal sales looked at and strengthened then I will have achieved my one true goal of getting justice for Reggie.”
The issue is set to be debated in parliament on Monday 13 December, and you can find out more information and donate to Richard’s chosen charities on his JustGiving page here.
There’s a FREE Children in Need event coming to MediaCityUK
Thomas Melia
An all-new and completely free to enjoy Children in Need event is making its way to MediaCityUK later this November, and it’s bringing along some iconic brands.
Everyone’s favourite yellow bear is returning to Manchester to take over MediaCityUK and rename it Pudsey’s Piazza for one night only.
Pudsey Bear is heading down to MediaCityUK and he’s bringing all the best activities, games, famous food, live music and more for four hours of FREE family-oriented fun.
You can expect to see Pudsey and the team alongside a whole host of celebrities, brand partners and lots of friends when Children in Need hosts its celebration later this November.
Some of the brands which have been announced include staple high street bakery Greggs, a collaboration between McDonald’s and its sports counterpart, Fun Football UK.
DJ AG is just one of the special guests preparing to take over MediaCityUK this November for Children in Need (Credit: Supplied)
Also joining the bill is viral TikTok potato-loving duo Spud Bros, who will be serving up their famed jacket potatoes with an array of fillings to choose from inside their recognisable big red van.
Greggs will be bringing a huge double-decker bus to Pudsey’s Piazza at MediaCityUK with treats on hand throughout this evening celebration, as well as interactive games for you to play.
You’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of a replica Red Arrows jet, which will be situated on the piazza all night long courtesy of aerial experts Royal Air Force.
If that wasn’t enough for you, your night will be soundtracked by the one and only viral nomad music maker DJ AG, who’ll be playing out tunes as part of a charity livestream at the bandstand.
MediaCityUK is the home of BBC Children in Need, so it’s only fitting that Pudsey would throw one of his biggest parties yet right here in Greater Manchester.
Pudsey and his friends are transforming MediaCityUK into Pudsey’s Piazza on Friday, 14 November from 4pm to 8pm, and they’re encouraging anyone to come along, especially since it’s FREE.
Featured Images — David Dixon (via Geograph)/Supplied
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Adventurous cat caught taking a train from Yorkshire to Manchester Airport
Daisy Jackson
Train conductors have reunited an adventurous senior cat with her owners after she was caught taking a train all the way to Manchester Airport.
15-year-old Angel was discovered on board an hour-long TransPennine Express service from West Yorkshire to the airport.
The black-and-white moggy had been strolling along the train making friends with passengers on board, following conductor Will Saunders through the carriages.
It turns out Angel is something of a local legend in Brighouse, and has been caught riding rail replacement buses in the past too, as well as making herself at home in the local pub.
On this occasion, she fancied herself a little holiday and hopped on board the 3.55am service from Brighouse to Manchester Airport.
Will kept a close eye on the gorgeous cat all the way to Manchester Airport, where they settled her into a cardboard box at the station.
Will then took Angel home to Stockport for the night to keep her safe, later discovering a phone number on Angel’s collar.
He and his partner then drove Angel all the way back home to Brighouse.
Will Saunders, conductor at TPE, said: “As a cat lover myself, I couldn’t leave her to fend for herself. She was so calm and confident on the train – it was like she’d done it before!
“I’m just glad we could keep her safe and get her back home. She’s clearly a much-loved cat.”
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director at TPE, added: “Our teams are used to helping customers reach their destinations, but this was definitely one of our more unusual passengers.
“We’re just glad we could make sure this adventurous feline made it home safely.”
Now back where she belongs, Angel’s tale shows that even the most curious traveller can count on TPE to help them land on their paws.
Emily Sergeant -
9th December 2021 
