More Press

I never managed to post an update yesterday as Rosie's condition worsened. so I did not have much time. This was probably due to the stress that this has all caused.

We have had an article that should have appeared in the Orcadian. The text which is below. I have not managed to go out and get a copy yet so I have not seen the pictures.

A Stromness couple have started an online campaign in a bid to have
their pet cat returned to them. Duncan and Rosie Coombes have accused
the local branch of Cats Protection of being “callous and unfeeling”,
after the charity refused to hand back one of their cats which had
been put forward for rehoming. The couple said that as soon as Hudson
was collected from their home at Hamnavoe they realised that they’d
made a mistake and asked for his return. But so far, the cat has
remained with a foster family and the couple have hit out, saying
their lives are being ruined by the stress. Hudson was one of four
cats that Mr and Mrs Coombes asked Orkney Cats Protection to re-home.
Mrs Coombes suffers from the condition ME, also known as chronic
fatigue syndrome, and is currently unable to get about due to the
illness. When it became clear that she might be confined to bed for
some time — as a precaution Mr Coombes asked that four of their seven
cats be re-homed. However, he said that shortly after the cats were
collected he realised that they would miss one of them — Hudson — a
particular favourite of his wifes, and they asked for his return. Mr
Coombes, 40, a radiographer, claims that after being told initially
they could have Hudson back — the charity is now reluctant to return
him. The Cats Protection headquarters in Sussex have issued a
statement: “Duncan and Rosie Coombes recently contacted Cats
Protection’s Orkney branch to give up their cat, Hudson. “Following
their request, the cat was signed over into Cats Protection’s care,
with the aim that the charity should find him a new home. “Hudson is
still in Cats Protection’s care, and should Duncan and Rosie wish to
re-adopt him then they are encouraged to contact the branch.” However,
the couple then received a phone call from the Orkney branch offering
a home check, which was carried out at the weekend. They are still
awaiting the result. Mr Coombes said the situation is nothing short of
ridiculous. “It’s not like we are trying to adopt another cat. All we
want is our cat Hudson back. He has lived with us since four-weeks-old
and he is presently around two-and-a-half years old. “He has always
been very happy with us and loves the fact he can get love and
attention 24 hours a day. He is a very much loved cat, accepted by our
remaining cats and even our dog.” He added: “We’ll do anything to get
Hudson back, as much as we feel that we shouldn’t have to go through a
home check, due to the situation, we will do it in the hope of the
return of our beloved cat.” The couple said it was a wrench to decide
to give up some of their cats, but felt that it was in the animals’
best interests, with his wife’s deteriorating health. “I know we
signed him over into their care but we made a mistake, everyone makes
mistakes and we are paying dearly for this. We just want him back and
we can provide him a good and loving home. “We were told twice before
by members of the Cat Protection in Orkney that we could have Hudson
back, then it changed. I see it as a mixture of stupidity, lack of
compassion and bloody mindedness. “We have been told that if we
continue this, we could affect the welfare of future cats in Orkney.
If the welfare of any future cats is compromised it will be due to
Cats Protection's refusal to do the right thing and stick to their
promises. “We have a fine home for Hudson — it has been fine for him
for two years, so why not any longer?” The couple have set up on
online blog, calling for support in their “Free Hudson Campaign”,
which can be viewed at freehudson.blogspot.com.

We have also emailed National Cats Protection with our comments on the obviously biased and inaccurate home check. We are not expecting a response as one of the continuing aspects of this campaign is National Cats Protection refusal to talk to us.

Sometimes it gets lost in the story that the basic premise was not that we want a new cat. We wish our own cat back (as promised by Orkney Islands Cats Protection). The same cat who has been well cared for for over two years.

I do think that Cats Protection think that this story will just fade away now they have refused. I am afraid it will not. There is still a quite a lot of interest in both national and local press.

If you google our name. The first four links are to do with our campaign. If you google Free Hudson the Cat numerous more links appear. I have noticed that other popular blogs and News/Animal sites are starting to link to the story. This means that it is still growing and spreading so more people will hear of the injustice that has been done.

We have also had some Snail mail from the Mainland which is encouraging showing that our story is reaching out there. The campaign continues until Cats Protection do what they promised and return OUR Cat