Battersea Dogs Home in London, officially known as Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2010.
The animal shelter was founded in 1860 by Mrs. Mary Tealby and at that time it was called the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs.
In 1883 the shelter began taking in cats and in 1885 Queen Victoria became Patron of the Home which has remained under Royal Patronage ever since. Currently Queen Elizabeth is the Patron and Princess Michael of Kent is the President.
The name was changed to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2002 to more accurately reflect the mission of the shelter.
The animal shelter receives no public funding and instead relies on private donations for its survival. Happily, generous donations over the years have allowed this shelter to not only survive, but to thrive and grow which has been a crucial part of their success in meeting the ever increasing need for their services.
The Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has been the focus of a great deal of media attention over the years. The BBC filmed several documentary series about the Home and it has been in the public eye many times over the years.
One of the most popular media events arose around a dog named Red the Lurcher. This dog was quite intelligent and learned how to escape his cage at night. This in itself is quite remarkable, but Red went a bit farther, breaking several of his canine friends out of their cages as well. The goal for this canine escape artist was an illicit midnight snack, and Red the Lurcher and his friends were caught repeatedly on camera performing this astounding feat.
The shelter is open to the public all year round, seven days a week.
Children usually love seeing all the dogs and cats that are available for rehousing.
Battersea Dogs Home in London does great work and is a powerful champion for the pets of London.
Visiting Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
4 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4AA
Telephone: 020 7622 3626
Email info@dogshome.org
Photo courtesy: gohsuket
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