Walthamstow cat avoids eviction after thousands criticise London Ambulance Service
Walthamstow's beloved ambulance station cat has been saved from eviction after more than 60,000 people backed a petition calling for him to stay. Defib will now remain at the Grove Park Avenue base he's called home for the last 16 years after the head of the London Ambulance Service (LAS) stepped in.
The black and white feline was adopted by staff when he was just a kitten and quickly became a source of comfort for paramedics during their breaks. A recent change in management decided to relocate him after dubbing him an 'infection control and allergy risk' - despite living there up until now without issue.
A Change.org petition set up on Defib's behalf soon blew up and received thousands of signatures in just a few hours, with many calling the LAS out for being 'heartless' and 'cruel'. The Service initially said they were looking for a 'worthy retirement home' that's safer for the elderly cat, but the chief executive, Daniel Elkeles, has now u-turned on this decision.
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In an X post today (October 17), he said: "I have heard all the feedback about Defib the cat. 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."
The petition's organiser has also posted an update as Defib, saying: "With all your help, love and kindness a decision has been made to let me stay in my beloved home with my amazing friends. Thanks so much for giving one small cat such a huge voice. I cannot express how grateful I am. Nose boops for all!"
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