A cat who faced eviction from the east London ambulance station he has lived in for 16 years can now stay after a public outcry over the move.
London Ambulance Service (LAS) management argued that Defib had become too old to stay at their Walthamstow station and had to be relocated for his own safety.
But it has now U-turned on its decision after a petition set up by staff to keep the much-loved moggy in his home reached over 62,000 signatures and saw some high-profile supporters.
On Thursday morning, LAS chief executive Daniel Elkeles said: "I have heard all the feedback about Defib the cat and I do believe that my team were trying to make the best decision for both Defib and all our staff.
“I have listened to the views of the public and many of our staff and we have now agreed that Defib can remain at Walthamstow Ambulance Station.
"Defib is much-loved by staff at Walthamstow Ambulance Station and evidently, he has won the hearts of the public too."
Cats bring joy to the joyless and hope to the hopeless. I very much hope the good people of the London Ambulance Service change their mind and let Defib stay where he belongs. https://t.co/Z0x7SkKm2Z
— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) October 16, 2024
The staff member who started the petition said: “Thanks so much for giving one small cat such a huge voice. I cannot express how grateful I am. Nose boops for all.”
Local MP Stella Creasy even urged Health Secretary Wes Streeting to step in.
“Defib the cat facing a no fault eviction from Walthamstow’s ambulance base - hard to see why given he’s lived there for 16 years happily and helps staff cope with a stressful job,” she said.
“Perhaps Wes Streeting if you are feline the staff’s pain you could have a word with [LAS]?
The online petition against the move stated that Defib had been rescued by station staff as a kitten.
“For 16 years, Defib the cat has lived happily at Walthamstow ambulance station,” it read.
“A change of local management at London Ambulance Service means he is now under threat of eviction.
“Unlike so many cats in London, he was lucky enough to be rescued by staff as a kitten and has been adored by them ever since.
“The staff believe rehoming such an old cat is an unnecessary act of cruelty and not justifiable, especially in light of the recent popularity of therapy animals in business premises.”
