A much-loved cat who was under threat of "eviction" from his ambulance station home has been allowed to stay after a petition signed by more than 62,000 people.
Defib, who has lived at Walthamstow Ambulance Station for 16 years, was set to be rehomed after "having several near misses" in being run over by ambulances at the station.
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) also said that some new staff members have "severe allergies" and therefore cannot use the station when Defib is around.
But Defib will now be allowed to stay at his home after a petition to let him "live out his remaining years in the place where he is loved" was signed by 62,693 supporters.
LAS chief executive Daniel Elkeles posted on X this morning (October 17): "I have heard all the feedback about Defib the cat.
"I do believe that my team were trying to make the best decision for both Defib and all our staff.
"I have listened to the views of the public and many of our staff and we have now agreed that Defib can remain at Walthamstow Ambulance Station.
He added: "Defib is much-loved by staff at Walthamstow Ambulance Station and evidently, he has won the hearts of the public too."
Defib the cat facing a no fault eviction from Walthamstow’s ambulance base -hard to see why given he’s lived there for 16 years happily and helps staff cope with a stressful job. Perhaps @wesstreeting if you are feline the staff’s pain you could have a word with @Ldn_Ambulance ? https://t.co/s9l5Wmazy3
— stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) October 16, 2024
A spokesperson for the LAS previously said that the move was for Defib's safety and that they were looking for a "worthy retirement home" now that he is older and has slower reactions.
But the petition on Change.org - started by an account called Defib The Cat - branded the rehoming an "unnecessary act of cruelty and not justifiable".
Even Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy said on X it was "hard to see why" Defib was facing a "no-fault eviction" after 16 years living happily at the station.
An update on the petition has since celebrated the U-turn by LAS.
It said: "With all your help, love and kindness a decision has been made to let me stay in my beloved home with my amazing friends.
"Thanks so much for giving one small cat such a huge voice."
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