Defib the Cat Allowed to Stay at Station

Defib, a rescue cat who has lived at the Walthamstow Ambulance Station in London for 16 years, faced eviction due to allergy concerns and his safety as he has aged. The London Ambulance Service (LAS) management cited infection control and the cat's slow reactions as reasons for relocation. However, a public petition against the eviction gathered over 62,000 signatures, with support from local Labour MP Stella Creasy urging intervention from the Health Secretary. Staff and the public argue that rehoming the elderly cat is an unnecessary act of cruelty, emphasizing his role in improving staff morale. Following widespread support, the LAS chief executive agreed to let Defib remain at the station, acknowledging the public and staff's affection for him. The decision reflects a compromise between managerial concerns and the community's attachment to the cat.