Leading animal welfare charity Battersea at this time proclaims the appointment of Peter Laurie as its new Chief Executive. Peter will step into the position with quick impact, having held the place of Interim Chief Executive since January, following the departure of Claire Horton CBE from the charity.
Commenting on the appointment, Battersea Chairman, Paul Baldwin, mentioned:
“Having just lately celebrated its 160th anniversary, the necessity for Battersea’s companies, experience and influence for animals has by no means been better. Our charity has an important position to play in delivering higher outcomes for much more canines and cats sooner or later, and Peter has the imaginative and prescient and ambition to assist us determine and seize new alternatives.
Peter is well-known and revered within the animal welfare sector. During his six years at Battersea, he has led the event of Battersea’s work to assist animal rescue organisations throughout the UK and worldwide. He performed a number one position final 12 months in working with sector colleagues and Government to offer a framework for animal rescue and rehoming organisations to proceed working throughout the pandemic.
Battersea is a dynamic, thriving, and impressive charity that’s already making nice strides as a power for change, and I very a lot look ahead to working with Peter to fulfil our bold plans.”
Peter joined Battersea in February 2015 as Director of Operations, changing into Deputy Chief Executive in March 2017.
His appointment as Chief Executive comes at a time when Battersea is each persevering with to obtain, look after and rehome hundreds of canines and cats throughout its centres and rising its work to assist extra animals past its gates. Battersea is dedicated to sharing its experience with rescue and rehoming organisations throughout the globe, supporting them with grants, utilizing its profile to lift the visibility of rescue world wide, and utilizing its voice to drive lasting change for animals reminiscent of by way of animal cruelty laws.
The animal welfare implications ensuing from the Covid-19 pandemic could possibly be profound. Increased demand for puppies, kittens, and designer breeds, means hundreds extra poorly bred animals hitting the UK market, a pointy enhance in puppies being imported or smuggled into the UK, and worrying projections on pet abandonment.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter mentioned:
“I really feel very honoured and excited to be requested to guide Battersea. It’s a charity I’m deeply dedicated to and a trigger I’m really captivated with. As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, our employees, volunteers and supporters are as decided now as at any time in our historical past to be right here for each canine and cat that wants us. We look ahead to harnessing new alternatives and dealing in partnership with colleagues throughout the UK and world wide to create brighter futures for these great animals”.