15,000 sign petition backing Wolverhampton cat rescue centre

The Arc, which operates from a four-bedroom house in Ashmore Park, Wolverhampton, has saved the lives of and rehomed more than 1,000 cats in the five years it has been open.

Now an online petition to save the centre has been launched, gaining more than 15,000 signatures.

Owner Sally Edwards said she had been visited by environmental and planning officers from the council, who she says told her they would be serving an enforcement notice on the premises in Gadsby Avenue, claiming it was a 'cattery' and that she needed a licence for it.

'Over my dead body'

A distraught Ms Edwards said: “It is not a cattery, it is a cat rescue centre and there is a difference.

"Over my dead body will they take my cats away. This whole issue has made me literally ill with worry.

“I’ve already had to rehome my my disabled cats just to make sure they are safe.

"I think someone has complained to the council as they have apparently said they have concerns for the cats’ welfare.

"I’ve not been told that myself but they seem to have told everyone else I know.”

'Not a boarding cattery'

Local resident and cat-lover Amanda James, who started the petition, said: “We need to urgently stop this to save the cats currently in the rescue’s care and allow the great work this rescue does to continue.

“The rescue is not a boarding cattery as the council have claimed.

"Sally rescues otherwise feral cats and kittens from our city, ensures they are neutered, have veterinary treatment and when in good health are found suitable homes.

“As well as rehoming cats to grateful families, the rescue has found homes for feral cats where they live happy, useful lives in prisons, farms and other places.

"The Arc has worked with large rescue charities and with local housing officers to save cats from extreme cases of neglect. It does not breed or sell animals.

“The rescue is run by a small group volunteers and is a big part of the local community where it regularly organises community events,” she added.

RSPCA

Ms Edwards said the RSPCA had been due to visit earlier this week but had telephoned and cancelled at the last minute.

“They called and said they couldn’t make it and would have to phone back to rearrange. My vet – who has no concerns whatsoever for the welfare of any of my cats – had even taken the time out to come and support me,” she said.

Nicola Thompson, who owns Lavandula Blu Beauty and Holistic Therapies in Lichfield Road, Wednesfield, said: “This is wrong on so many levels. Wolverhampton Council should be ashamed of themselves.”

Ms Edwards has appealed to local councillor Phil Bateman who has highlighted her plight to the council’s planning and environmental departments.

Councillor Bateman said: “I appreciate that this issue has caused much concern in the local community and further afield. I would just like to say that the three Wednesfield councillors are working hard together with Sally.

“But there is a little confusion which is muddying the waters. First – the city council has not placed a planning enforcement notice on the Arc or issued any formal action against the centre.

"I am in close contact with Sally and we will continue to respond to the situation, offering help and advice.”

A spokesman for Wolverhampton Council said their legal department was working with city planners to see what could be done.

Anyone wishing to sign the petition can find it here

By Joe Sweeney, Local Democracy Reporter