Established in Holloway in 1860 by Mary Tealby, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has a long history of animal rescue. Initially called “The Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs”, it started in her scullery. As more dogs arrived, she hired stables nearby. Her brother and Sarah Major helped with funding. The RSPCA assisted and meetings were at their offices at 12 Pall Mall.
The Times ridiculed the idea of a dog home when people were homeless. They accused Tealby of letting her zeal outrun her discretion. Charles Dickens became a supporter. He wrote about the remarkable institution. It had saved over a thousand dogs in 1860. He noted that the dogs were cared for and humanely disposed of if needed. By 1864, finances were sound. They were handling 2,000 dogs a year.
Battersea began taking in cats in 1883. However its name remained Battersea Dogs Home until 2002. During World War II, manager Edward Healey-Tutt advised against euthanizing pets due to food shortages. Throughout the war, Battersea cared for over 145,000 dogs. In 1979, Battersea acquired Bell Mead Kennels. It is now Battersea Old Windsor in Berkshire. In 1999, Battersea bought a centre in Kent. This is now Battersea Brands Hatch.
The name changed to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 2002. This finally included cats in its name. In 2010, the charity marked its 150th anniversary. HRH the Duchess of Cornwall opened the London Cattery. Royal Mail released stamps with adopted dogs and cats. A commemorative book, A Home of Their Own, charted the Home’s history. It included stories of famous adopters. Elton John credited his dog Thomas with helping him through a difficult time.
In 2011, Battersea launched the “Staffies. They’re Softer Than You Think” campaign. It aimed to educate the public about Staffordshire Bull Terriers. On March 17, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Mary Tealby kennels. These intake kennels were named after the founder. A new veterinary hospital opened at the London centre in 2016.
In 2018, the charity rebranded as “Battersea.” Their goal was to be here for every dog and cat. The charity campaigned to increase sentences for animal cruelty. They wanted to increase the maximum sentence from six months to five years. Battersea has been campaigning since 2017. Battersea also launched the Battersea Academy. They launched the “Rescue Is My Favourite Breed” campaign in 2019. Peter Laurie is the Chief Executive. He took over from Claire Horton CBE in January 2021.
Queen Victoria became patron in 1885. The home has remained under royal patronage ever since. Queen Camilla is the current patron. Prince Michael of Kent is the President.
Charles Dickens wrote about the home in 1862. It was for his magazine All the Year Round. He called it an extraordinary monument of the remarkable affection with which the English people regard the race of dogs. Battersea has featured in many TV programmes. Channel 4’s Pet Rescue featured Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in 1997. BBC One’s Animal Rescue Live was broadcast live for a week at Battersea in July 2007. ITV’s For the Love of Dogs is filmed at Battersea. Paul O’Grady presented the show from 2012 until his death in 2023. Alison Hammond helmed it from 2024. Battersea is naming a new veterinary hospital after O’Grady.
Battersea rescues dogs and cats. It cares for them until their owner or a new one can be found. It is one of the UK’s oldest and best known animal rescue centres. Battersea has cared for more than 3.1 million dogs and cats. The non-government funded organisation cares for an average of 240 dogs and 145 cats. This is across all three centres at any one time. Battersea is more than just an animal shelter. It is a testament to compassion. It is a beacon of hope for animals in need.