Cat who lived at ambulance station for 15 years saved from eviction
A cat who has lived at Walthamstow Ambulance Station for at least 15 years has been saved from eviction after more than 60,000 people rushed to sign a petition.
New management at the London Ambulance Service had tried to kick out the pet, appropriately named Defib, from his home in Walthamstow after ‘several near misses in being run over by ambulances.’
They said it was time to find the animal a ‘worthy retirement home.’
But workers at the station could not part with Defib. They launched a petition to save their beloved companion who ‘is part of the team’ earlier this week .
After gaining more than 60,000 signatures, a decision was made that Defib won’t be going anywhere.
Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive of the London Ambulance Service, posted on X: ‘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 black and white cat was rescued and taken into the station when he was just one.
Defib is fed and cared for by paramedics, with staff even creating a check-in and cuddle rota for him during lockdown.
This morning’s news came as a ‘huge relief’ to those at the station.
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The petition’s organiser, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: ‘He is part of the team. That’s his home and it doesn’t matter that he’s a cat.
‘He hasn’t bothered anyone for the last 15 years and everyone adores him, it’s an honour to have him here.
‘Most of us at the hospital are cat lovers. To move a cat at his age just seemed to me and to a lot of other people like an awful thing to do to any animal.
‘It’s such a relief. It’s not down to me but the amount of support he has received has blown me away.
‘The support was quick and heart-felt – and it’s great that we’ve achieved our goal.’
This is the second time those at Walthamstow Ambulance Station have managed to save Defib from eviction.
London Ambulance Service attempted to move him elsewhere a few years ago but staff forged an agreement to keep him thanks in part to his therapeutic nature.
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