ANYONE?thinking of adopting a pet might want to consider giving a home to hens this National Pet Month.

National Pet Month promotes responsible pet ownership and will see thousands of people up and down the country celebrating their pets and raising money for their favourite charities.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) is a charity based in South Zeal, which is recognised for its pioneering work in re-homing commercial laying hens which would otherwise go to slaughter.

Charity founder, Jane Howorth, said: ‘Adopting some of these retired hens is one of the best things you will ever do; they are endearing, inquisitive and love to be part of family life. 

‘My own hens greet me with contented clucks, much as a dog wags its tail and a cat wraps itself round the legs of its owner in greeting.

‘If you’re thinking about adopting hens my advice would be – do it. And if you’ve already got some it would be wonderful if you’d consider raising a few pennies to help save even more!’

The BHWT has a re-homing date coming up at South Zeal on Sunday, May 7 – simply visit the website www.bhwt.org.uk for more information.

Through its nationwide team of 450 plus volunteers, the trust has found homes for more than 550,000 hens.