THE owner of an Oswaldtwistle cattery has taken his campaign for animal boarding establishments to be classed as part of the hospitality and tourism industry to Westminster.

Craig Dodding is now lobbying Parliament for a change in government rules to open the sector to more Whitehall grants.

The owners of Rhoden Manor Cattery first became aware of problems when he applied for an Additional Restrictions Grant because of the impact on his business of coronavirus.

It took a debate at Hyndburn Full Council for him to get £20,000 of cash support despite the main clients of his business being holidaymakers seeking care for their pets while away from home.

Mr Dodding founded the UK Alliance of Catteries and Kennels and took advice from House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on how best to raise the issue with government.

Now his local Hyndburn Conservative MP Sara Britcliffe has applied for a Westminster Hall adjournment debate in Parliament on the issue backed by 20 other MPs. It is entitled 'The importance of catteries and kennels to our economy and society'.

Government rules on coronavirus grants categorise them with town criers, shoe polishers and burlesque dancers.

Ms Britcliffe said: "The UK is a nation of pet lovers. But when we go on holiday, we want to be sure that our animals are well cared for. That’s why kennels and catteries are a vital part of not just our economy but our society too.

"I am delighted to be supporting my constituents Craig and Claire Dodding.

"I have applied for a debate to give colleagues a chance to consider the ways we can support kennels and catteries in our area."

Mr Dodding said: "We've fallen into this gap so no-one wants to give us support. 

"The challenging situation we have faced from Covid-19 has just highlighted the issues we face within this industry hence we have commenced the alliance to finally have a voice.

"We have been luckier than many animal boarding establishments. 

"Some catteries and kennels have received absolutely nothing.

"If we had been classed by the government as a hospitality or tourism business, which we should be as most of our clients are pet owners going on holiday, we would have been entitled to £35,000 to £45,000 in Local Restrictions Support Grant. 

"Instead we have been lumped in with town criers.

"It has been incredibly difficult and at times we have been down to just two cats staying with us instead of the usual 40.

"The alliance is keen to keep up the pressure on the government to properly support an industry which is genuinely suffering."