The campaign to save Defib, the beloved 16-year-old station cat at Walthamstow Ambulance Station, has gained significant momentum, with a Change.org petition surpassing 62,000 signatures. Public support continues to mount against the decision by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to evict the elderly cat, who has been a cherished companion to the station staff for more than a decade.
In response to the growing petition, the LAS issued a statement acknowledging the situation:
“We are looking for a worthy retirement home for Defib the cat. As he has got older, his reactions have slowed, and he has had several near misses in being run over by ambulances in the station. In addition, some new members of staff have a cat allergy so can’t use the ambulance station for their breaks.
While the LAS expressed concerns over Defib’s safety in the busy station environment, citing potential risks posed by his age and staff allergies, supporters of the campaign remain undeterred. Many point out that Defib has provided invaluable emotional support to the life-saving staff, offering companionship to those working high-stress, traumatic shifts.
Fans of the station cat are now taking to social media, with an account on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @SaveDefib gathering followers as supporters share their personal stories and rally behind the campaign. One reader reflected on the importance of empathy in management:
As a post-graduate student in Management, it was proclaimed by one professor that employees don’t leave because they hate the job, they leave because of crap managers and bad decisions they make. Managers should promote empathy within teams, not drive their own ego.
The LAS emphasised their support for therapy animals, but the community and staff believe Defib’s role in boosting morale at Walthamstow Ambulance Station is irreplaceable. Many are calling for the elderly cat to remain in his familiar environment, where he has spent most of his life.
As the movement to save Defib continues to grow, the public is eagerly awaiting further updates. To add your name to the petition, click [here], or follow Defib’s journey through his dedicated social media presence.
