David Cameron Visits Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

A celebration of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s 1,000th active volunteer was a prime opportunity for British Prime Minister David Cameron to visit some of the Fidos and felines who enjoy comfort and care at the animal welfare charity as they wait for forever families.

Greeted by a canine Guard of Honour comprised of some of the renowned rescue organization’s resident Rovers, Cameron– a proud pet parent to a former stray who came to stay at Number 10 Downing Street thanks to Battersea– was happy to meet the center’s milestone-making volunteer, James Moore, who is helping out in the cattery, which was officially opened by Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, in 2010.

“Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have been doing fantastic work for over 150 years and I’m delighted to congratulate them on their 1000th volunteer. Not only do they carry out vital frontline work in animal welfare, but also inspire people to make a positive difference with their time. Today I’ve had the chance to see their volunteers in action and have been amazed by the commitment and enthusiasm of everybody here.”

Speaking about the Prime Minister’s visit, Battersea’s Chief Executive Claire Horton stated: “It’s a great honour for everybody here at Battersea to welcome the Prime Minister to our world-famous Home for such an important occasion. Without our fantastic volunteers Battersea would not be able to care for the thousands of lost, unwanted, and abandoned animals we take in every year.

“People want to volunteer at Battersea as it’s a charity they know and love. They share a passion and a commitment for our animals and want to see them get a second chance in life. Some of our volunteers have supported us for almost thirty years and many, like James have recently joined us. They’re now very much part of the Battersea home and we are very grateful for their support.”

Coming from all walks of life with the shared goal to put our barking buddies and purring pals on the path to a brighter tomorrow, Battersea volunteers at the charity’s three centers have already clocked 50,000 hours so far this year, performing such vital duties as walking dogs, socializing and/or fostering cats, welcoming visitors to the Home, giving talks in the community, gardening and laundering animal bedding.

James Moore, the Home’s 1000th volunteer says: “As soon as I walked through the famous gate I knew there was something special about Battersea. We are all here because we hope we can make a difference to the animals in some way. There is a real community spirit too which makes it a wonderful place to be.”

Battersea– which has rescued, reunited and rehomed more than 3.1 million companion animals since its founding– cares for approximately 400 dogs and 190 cats at any given time at its three centers, which are located in south-west London, Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.

For more information:

• visit www.battersea.org.uk

Photo Credit: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home