HRH The Duchess of Cornwall returns to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Source:

Battersea, London

Date:

12 December 2012

The Duchess was accompanied by Beth and Bluebell, the two Jack Russell Terriers she rehomed from Battersea in the last two years, and today she met staff who cared for the pair while they were at Battersea.

 It was The Duchess of Cornwall’s second visit, as she helped mark the charity’s 150^th anniversary in October 2010 by opening the London centre’s new cattery. During today’s visit Her Royal Highness focused on meeting the dogs in the charity’s care. During a tour of the centre with Chief Executive Claire Horton she visited the charity’s Lost & Found reception, the Intake and rehoming kennels, and the on-site Clinic.

The Duchess of Cornwall also met Battersea Ambassador Paul O’Grady, who was accompanied by Lurcher cross puppy Mince Pie. The seven week old puppy has been hand reared by Battersea’s team after he and his six siblings were rejected by their mother. Misty the eight year old Jack Russell Terrier also met Her Royal Highness, behaving impeccably in her kennel.

Battersea Chief Executive Claire Horton said: “Today was a fantastic day and we were honoured to welcome The Duchess of Cornwall to Battersea for a second time. We are exceptionally proud of the care and dedication our staff and volunteers offer each animal who arrives at our gate, and it was wonderful to show Her Royal Highness what goes on behind the scenes at Battersea. As a dog-lover she really enjoyed meeting our residents looking for a new home, and we are incredibly grateful for her support.”

The Duchess’ visit was celebrated by the famous Battersea “Guard of Honour”, when a selection of Battersea dogs lined the centre’s courtyard. The dogs were present to greet Her Royal Highness upon her arrival, before waving her goodbye at the end of her tour.

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Please credit “Clint Images/Battersea Dogs & Cats Home” when using any images.

Notes to editors

• The Duchess of Cornwall adopted Jack Russell Terrier Beth from Battersea in August 2011, before Bluebell joined the family in September 2012.
• Battersea’s £5m cattery opened in October 2010 and cares for up to 90 cats and kittens. It brings under one roof the full range of cat rescue and rehoming services, including nursery, clinic and socialising rooms.
• Battersea has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign to help fund the development of new kennel facilities for its dogs. The ‘Rebuilding Battersea’ plan will see state of the art kennels on the current London site, in custom-built buildings.
• Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs at Christmas  will air at 6pm on Christmas Day on ITV1.   
• Established in 1860, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home aims never to turn away a dog or cat in need of our help.  We reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners through our Lost Dogs & Cats Line or care for them until new homes can be found for them, giving them shelter and the highest standards of kennelling and veterinary care. 
• In 2011 the Home cared for almost 6,000 dogs and 3,000 cats.
• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home receives no government funding towards the running of the Home and relies on the generosity and support of the public to help care for lost and abandoned dogs & cats. To make a donation visit our website or call 0870 890 0000. 
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