Prime Minister meets animal charity's 1,000th volunteer

Prime Minister David Cameron was welcomed to Battersea Cats and Dogs Home to mark the celebration of reaching a milestone 1,000 active volunteers.

James Moore, who will be joining the charity’s cattery, helping to care for 190 resident cats, is Battersea’s 1,000th active volunteer.

The prime minister met Mr Moore, amongst many others at the iconic south-west London centre.


Volunteers help out across the charity’s three centres and have so far clocked up over 50,000 hours this year alone.


Commenting on his visit, Mr Cameron said: "Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have been doing fantastic work for over 150 years and I’m delighted to congratulate them on their 1,000th volunteer.

"Not only do they carry out vital frontline work in animal welfare, but also inspire people to make a positive difference with their time."


Volunteers come from all walks of life, including business managers, police officers, Chelsea Pensioners and those now retired from full-time work. Battersea has seen an increase of 45 per cent in applications from all across the UK since they diversified the number of volunteering opportunities.


It is estimated that volunteers' contribution to the charity is worth almost £500,000 a year.


Battersea's chief executive, Claire Horton, said: "It’s a great honour for everybody here at Battersea to welcome the prime minister to our world-famous home for such an important occasion. Without our fantastic volunteers, Battersea would not be able to care for the thousands of lost, unwanted, and abandoned animals we take in every year."


Although this was Mr Cameron’s first visit to Battersea, Downing Street rehomed a cat named Larry from Battersea two years ago.

Image courtesy of Downing Street