As a concerned resident of Liverpool, I am deeply troubled by the upcoming CAT EXTRAVAGANZA event scheduled for October 28 & 29, 2023. While their mission statement claims to increase the visibility of all cats and educate everyone about the rescue situation, it is disheartening to learn that no local cat rescues have been involved or invited to attend this event.

This petition is personal to me because I have witnessed first hand the overwhelming rescue crisis in our city. Rescue centres in Merseyside and surrounding areas are bursting at the seams with cats and dogs desperately needing rescuing, feeding, medical treatment, neutering, rehoming, and more. The limited space and financial resources available make it challenging for these centres to provide adequate care for all these animals.

The last thing our city needs right now is an event that solely promotes breeders while neglecting the urgent need for rescue efforts. It is essential to prioritize finding loving homes for these vulnerable animals rather than showcasing expensive breeds that perpetuate a cycle of overbreeding.

According to recent statistics from reputable sources such as  RSPCA, an estimated 2.7 million animals enter UK animal shelters each year. Of these, 1.2 million are cats and 664,000 are dogs. Liverpool has seen a significant increase in abandoned cats over the past few years. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for support towards rescue organizations rather than promoting breeders who contribute to this crisis.

By organizing an event without involving local cat rescues or addressing their concerns regarding overcrowding and limited resources, CAT EXTRAVAGANZA fails to acknowledge or address one of our city's most pressing issues.

I urge you all to sign this petition demanding that CAT EXTRAVAGANZA reconsider its approach and actively involve local cat rescues in their event planning process. By doing so, we can ensure that our community comes together not only to celebrate feline companionship but also to support the rescue and rehoming efforts that are desperately needed in Liverpool.

Together, let's send a strong message that our priority lies in providing care, love, and forever homes for the countless cats currently suffering in our city. Let's stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves and demand a change in the focus of CAT EXTRAVAGANZA.

Sign this petition today to make a difference and protect the welfare of cats in Liverpool!