Defib the London ambulance cat saved from eviction after huge public outcry and intervention from Larry

Defib the London ambulance cat SAVED from eviction after huge public outcryMore than 62,000 people signed the petition against Defib being evicted from Walthamstow ambulance stationDefib the cat has lived at the ambulance station for 16 yearsLAS

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."

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]?

Handout

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.

LAS

“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.

Read More

“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.”