Ambulance station cat saved from eviction

A cat has been saved from eviction from his ambulance station home.

A petition on behalf of Defib the cat called on the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to keep the much-loved pet at Walthamstow ambulance station in east London, where he has lived for 16 years.

The Change.org campaign, which received more 60,000 signatures, now has a message on behalf of Defib to his supporters: "With all your help, love and kindness a decision has been made to let me stay in my beloved home with my amazing friends."

The chief executive of LAS Daniel Elkeles tweeted on Thursday: "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."

He added: "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."

Defib has lived at the station since he was rescued by staff as a kitten, but a change of local management saw him under threat of eviction.

Dr Jessica Rogers, who was involved in the petition, posted on X that she had been told the decision to evict Defib was taken over infection control and allergy concerns.

Edward, who used to work at the ambulance station and knew Defib for a decade, told BBC London: "He is very friendly and therapeutic.

"I'm happy that they've (LAS) changed their stance, and decided to change their minds.

"It gives Defib a safe, secure place to live for the rest of his days, and also provides staff that outlet and stress relief that pets bring."

Defib's message on the petition website concluded, saying: "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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