A NEW not-for-profit veterinary practice will be opening in Blackburn next month.

The Animal Trust, run by directors Owen Monie and Gareth Haines, is due to open in Manxman Road on August 26.

The two young vets graduated together from Cambridge Vet School in 2005 and already run a practice in Bolton. They aim to encourage owners to present their pets early for treatment, to boost animal welfare.

Many pets suffer because their owners struggle to afford high veterinary costs but don’t qualify for subsidised care through charity clinics such as those run by the PDSA.

Owen and Gareth agreed on a model of free consultations for all sick and injured pets, regardless of owner income, with profits reinvested to expand further.

They said: “Animals benefit from being brought to the vet sooner.”