Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Battersea announces departure of CEO Claire Horton
Claire Horton CBE became chief executive of Battersea in 2010.
Claire is stepping down from the role after 11 years.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has announced the upcoming departure of its long-time chief executive, Claire Horton CBE.

According to Battersea, Claire will depart at the end of January to take up the role of Director General at The Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The recruitment process for a new chief executive is expected to begin shortly.

Battersea chairman Paul Baldwin commented: “Battersea is truly indebted to Claire for her visionary and transformative leadership. Claire has been hugely committed to Battersea, an exceptional leader who has built and led her teams from strength to strength.

“Her passion, energy and drive truly inspired our staff and volunteers and she leaves a strong and lasting legacy. Thanks to Claire, tens of thousands of dogs and cats all over the world face a brighter future, one in which they will be treated with the love, care and respect they so deserve.”

Claire became chief executive of Battersea in March 2010 during its landmark 150th anniversary. Since then she has led the total transformation of the charity, securing continued year-on-year growth, increasing its supporter base, quadrupling its income, repositioning the brand and investing in the expansion of its direct animal services.

Under Claire's leadership, Battersea has used its voice to effect changes in legislation, including increases to sentences for animal cruelty, Lucy’s Law and compulsory microchipping of dogs. Claire has also overseen redevelopment of Battersea’s three sites to provide state-of-the-art kennels, cattery, and hospital facilities for the thousands of dogs and cats that need Battersea’s help every year.

Commenting on her departure, Claire Horton said: “Battersea is an incredible organisation, filled with the most talented and dedicated people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with and all totally focussed on changing and saving the lives of animals. Their shared sense of purpose and commitment is breath-taking and it is this dynamism and energy that has made Battersea one of the foremost animal welfare organisations in the world.

“I am deeply honoured to have worked alongside them for so long and I want to thank everyone at Battersea for their unstinting support, and their belief in me, over the last eleven years. Whilst I might be leaving as CEO, I shall remain very much part of the Battersea family, as a staunch supporter, fundraiser and advocate and my commitment to changing the world for animals remains as strong as it ever did.

She added: “My move to head up the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in January takes me into a new sector and to a pivotal role in the historic, global institution that honours and cares for the graves and memorials of the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars, ensuring they will never be forgotten. I feel extremely privileged to be afforded this truly unique and unrivalled opportunity.”

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.