After 18 cats were discovered in her home in three bedrooms, it became clear that the chair of the UK’s most important cat charity had been keeping them. She also claimed they were happy and healthy in her first comments.
Linda Upson’s caretaking of so many cats left others in dismay, anxious about the future and nervous about Linda Upson’s role as spokesperson.
The Essex-based charity – Cats Protection – has itself commissioned research into the problems of multi-cat households in the past, which found that environments that do not provide enough space can cause the pets considerable stress.
Linda Upson had to look after so many cats that other employees were left in despair and afraid about the future of the charity.
According to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, cats should have enough space for them to move freely if they wish.
Interim chief executive Charles Darley has already resigned after an internal investigation concluded Miss Upson should keep her position – only asking her to assure them she would not house any more of the pets.
The Telegraph reported that he disagreed with this decision and said to the Telegraph his concerns about welfare were shared by five animal charities, who had been consulted on the matter.
Yesterday, Miss Upson released a statement in which she defended herself and said that her animal care was always done properly.
She stated that she had resigned from her position as Cats Protection’s chairwoman and as a trustee because of the passion I have for Cats Protection.
“Cat wellbeing and welfare have been a major concern of mine for a long time and I’ve always made sure that my foster and own cats get the very best care.
My cats are between 9 and 19. Because each cat has its own food bowl, litter tray, and other resources they feel happy and healthy. Each cat is fully vaccinated. They all receive veterinary visits every other day. I don’t have any foster cats.
Mr Darley – who was just three months into his 12-month contract when he decided to step down – previously described how Miss Upson said she ‘didn’t think it was a problem’ when confronted with concerns over her pets’ living arrangements.
He stated, “I have been involved in more than 12 charities and never had to deal with a situation like this.”
Many of these are the [trustees]They are cat-lovers who care deeply about their cats.
Cats Protection has 10,000 volunteers and 1,000 employees who help care for some 126,000 cats and kittens, and the charity receives £75million in donations each year.
According to reports, several corporate sponsors contacted charity after hearing about the scandal.
Charles Darley, Interim Chief Executive announced that he is leaving the company after just three months on a 12-month agreement
Angela Swarbrick was its vice chairman. She said that Linda’s dedication has been a great help to the organization’s efforts in cat welfare over the last two decades.
“We are aware that Linda has had a very difficult time, especially after she decided to resign from her chair duties between December 2021 and January 2022 in order to take stock of her role with the charity.
Cats Protection is serious about governance and all of our trustees comply with the Charity governance codes.
“The charity conducts periodic reviews of governance and has made a commitment to an outside review of its processes and governance to make sure that it is confident about delivering the next ten years of its strategy to best serve cats.