West End Extra - Leters: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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West End Extra - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: 3 October 2008

Battersea has ‘open door’ policy

• IN response to Jamie Welham story (Unpopular ‘Staffies’ dumped on streets in stray dogs crisis, September 19) I would just like to clarify that here at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home we pride ourselves on never turning away a dog or cat in need of our help.
And it is absolutely not the case that we are “turning away owners and pets in their droves” as was claimed in the article.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is rare in that it takes in stray dogs regardless of the dog’s age, breed, medical condition or temperament.
Because of this “open door” policy, our kennels are always very busy.
We do operate a waiting list system for owners wishing to bring their dog into the home, and during particularly busy periods we may ask if they are able to keep the dog for a short period of time until kennel space becomes available.
This waiting list only applies in situations where the animal is being well cared for in its current home, and where his or her owners are happy to keep the animal for the time being.
If the owner cannot keep the dog, or if we feel that the animal’s or owner’s welfare is in question, the dog will be immediately taken in by the home.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home receives and cares for an average of 12,000 animals each year.
We provide the highest level of care for every animal that comes into the home and we are committed to never turning away an animal that is in need of our help.
JAN BARLOW
Chief Executive
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, West End Extra, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@westendextra.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Wednesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld.
Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number.
Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

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