Sir Tony Robinson has encouraged people to adopt dogs rather than buy them, as individuals give up their pets amid the cost of living crisis.

The actor and his wife became patrons of RSPCA Derby after adopting their own dog Holly Berry from the charity in 2020.

The centre is currently looking for foster carers due to a “huge increase” in people giving up their particular pets.

Friend Tony, who is due in order to speak at a fundraising event for the rehoming centre, said he would never buy a pet.

“Personally I could only ever think of adopting having seen the wonderful work RSPCA Derby do for the animals in their care and for the local community, ” he said.

“By choosing to follow an animal it not only gives that animal that may have had a really tough time a new home, but the adoption fee helps to support a rescue centre plus ultimately makes space for another animal in need which will be waiting in the wings to take its place. ”

Sir Tony and his wife adopted their dog after seeing her upon the RSPCA’s website .

“We then made the particular three-hour journey to Derby and, as we knew we would, we fell in love with Holly Berry, inch he stated.

He mentioned Holly Berry was “rescued by an RSPCA inspector in the terrible state, with a lot of health issues that needed attention from the team in Abbey Street and also from her wonderful fosterers”.

“We possess carried on that work and she has been getting on really well, ” he said.

“She is a well pampered pooch, who enjoys daily walks and loves to join us on holiday too. ”

The fundraising event, called An Evening With Sir Tony Robinson, is being held at Derby Leisure plus Events Venue on 29 September.

“When we used Holly Berry we discovered that RSPCA Derby is a small, independent charity and we got to know more about the amazing work they do, inch he stated.

“Unfortunately the pandemic offers meant this is the first period we have been able to come back up in order to Derby to visit the particular centre and to support the charity further by hosting an event on their behalf. ”

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