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Battersea Dogs & Cats Home facts for kids
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| Charity | |
| Founded | 2 October 1860 |
| Founder | Mary Tealby |
| Headquarters | London, SW8 United Kingdom |
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Key people
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Peter Laurie, Chief Executive Amanda Burton, Chair |
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, now simply known as Battersea, is a famous animal rescue centre in the UK. It helps dogs and cats find new homes or reunite with their owners. Battersea is one of the oldest and most well-known animal rescue places in the United Kingdom. It first opened in Holloway, London, in 1860. Later, in 1871, it moved to Battersea.
This charity does not get money from the government. It cares for many animals at its three centres. On average, about 240 dogs and 145 cats are looked after at any time. Since it started, Battersea has helped over 3.1 million dogs and cats.
Contents
The Story of Battersea: How It Began
Battersea was started in 1860 by a kind woman named Mary Tealby (1801–1865). She called it "The Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs." At first, she kept the dogs in her scullery, which is like a small kitchen. But soon, too many dogs arrived! So, she rented some stables nearby. She paid for this herself, along with her brother and a friend, Sarah Major.
In 1860, the RSPCA (another animal charity) agreed to help. Meetings were held at their offices. A newspaper called The Times made fun of the idea. They said it was silly to open a home for dogs when people in London were homeless. But Charles Dickens, a famous writer, supported the home. He wrote about this "remarkable institution" that had saved "over a thousand" dogs in 1860. He noted that the dogs were cared for, and if needed, they were humanely put to sleep. By 1864, the home was doing well and helping 2,000 dogs a year.
Battersea started taking in cats in 1883. But it was still called Battersea Dogs Home until 2002.
Battersea During World War II
During World War II, many people were worried about food shortages. The manager at the time, Edward Healey-Tutt, told people not to put their pets to sleep. Battersea kept feeding and caring for over 145,000 dogs throughout the war.
Growing and Changing Names
In 1979, Battersea opened another centre called Bell Mead Kennels. This is now known as Battersea Old Windsor in Berkshire. In 1999, they bought a centre in Kent, which is now Battersea Brands Hatch.
In 2002, the name officially changed to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. This was to show that they cared for both dogs and cats.
In 2010, Battersea celebrated its 150th birthday! To mark this, the Duchess of Cornwall opened a new cattery (cat house) in London. Royal Mail even released special stamps with pictures of dogs and cats adopted from Battersea. A book called A Home of Their Own was also published. It shared stories, including how famous people like Elton John adopted animals from Battersea.
In 2011, Battersea started a campaign called "Staffies. They're Softer Than You Think." This helped teach people that Staffordshire Bull Terriers are often misunderstood.
On March 17, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II visited Battersea. She opened the new intake kennels, which were named after the founder, Mary Tealby. In 2016, a new, modern Veterinary Hospital opened at the London centre.
In 2018, the charity changed its name again to just "Battersea." This was to show they are "here for every dog and cat." Battersea also works to change laws. They led a campaign to increase sentences for serious animal cruelty crimes.
The charity also started the Battersea Academy. In 2019, they launched a campaign called "Rescue Is My Favourite Breed." The current Chief Executive is Peter Laurie.
Royal Support for Battersea
Since 1885, the British Royal Family has supported Battersea. Queen Victoria was the first royal patron. Today, Queen Camilla is the patron, and Prince Michael of Kent is the President.
Battersea in the Media
Battersea has been featured in many TV shows and documentaries.
TV Shows About Battersea
- Pet Rescue on Channel 4 (1997) showed the work of Battersea.
- Animal Rescue Live on BBC One (2007) was broadcast live from Battersea for a week.
- ITV's For the Love of Dogs is filmed at Battersea. This show has won many awards. It was presented by Paul O'Grady from 2012 until his death in 2023. Now, Alison Hammond hosts the show. In 2023, Battersea announced they would name a new veterinary hospital after Paul O'Grady. A special fund in his honour helps pay for important medical care for dogs and cats.
Famous Ambassadors
Many well-known people help support Battersea as ambassadors:
- David Gandy (2012–2023)
- Paul O'Grady MBE (2012–2023)
- Dame Jacqueline Wilson (2013–)
- Amanda Holden (2013–)
- Anthony Head and Sarah Fisher (2018–)
- Tom Hardy (2019–)
- Alison Hammond (2024–)
Famous Animals from Battersea
Some animals adopted from Battersea have become quite famous!
- Larry – He is the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office (meaning he catches mice at the Prime Minister's home) since 2011.
- Palmerston – He was the Chief Mouser for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office from 2016 to 2020.
- Gladstone – He is the Chief Mouser for HM Treasury since 2016.
Getting to Battersea
The Battersea centre is easy to reach by public transport.
- Battersea Power Station tube station (Northern line) is right next to it.
- Battersea Park station and Queenstown Road station (National Rail) are also a short walk away.
See also
- Animal welfare in the United Kingdom