Claire Horton has increased Battersea's profile and led it to become a top 10 charity brand.

Head of charity rewarded for contribution to animal welfare

The chief executive of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Claire Horton has been named as a recipient of a CBE in the 2020 New Year Honours List, in recognition of her contribution to animal welfare.

After joining Battersea as chief executive in 2010, Mrs Horton has ensured year on year growth for the charity. Increasing its profile and capabilities as well as leading it to become a top 10 charity brand.

With more than 30 years of experience leading national and regional charities, Mrs Horton is committed to boosting the impact of the organisation and improving services for beneficiaries. She is passionate about the importance of volunteers, and has increased volunteer numbers at Battersea by 200 per cent. She also regularly advises Ministers, MPs, MEPs and civil servants on all issues related to companion animal welfare and health.

Mrs Horton also chairs the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, the umbrella body for rescue and rehoming organisations in the British Isles and is a member of Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Board for England.

Battersea chairman, Amanda Burton commented: “Claire is committed to working in partnership across multiple sectors and promoting collaboration between organisations and teams.

“Under her leadership, Battersea has driven campaigns that have successfully changed legislation and have improved the lives of thousands of dogs and cats.

“Battersea is now an organisation known world-wide for its expertise, its knowledge and highly skilled practitioners, across both animal and support services. Claire has worked to engage directly with rescue and rehoming centres around the world to share best practice and build strong and lasting relationships.

“Battersea has undoubtedly undergone transformational change under her leadership, but importantly, Claire never loses sight of Battersea’s founding mission to help every dog or cat in need and continues to heavily invest in both our people and our animals.”

Image (c) Battersea