Mayhew History

1911

'The objects of The Home are to provide shelter, food, and care, and good homes where possible, for lost and starving cats and dogs, and so far as may be found desirable to take in temporary boarders.

A carrier tricycle is employed in carrying the animals to and from The Home when the distance is not too great. No less than 3,500 animals passed through The Home during the year.'

From The Willesden Chronicle, 1911

1925

'Through lack of funds, The Home, with house attached, had fallen into a state of disrepair. Both have now been thoroughly renovated, so that the Committee hope to be able to cope with the great need of this populous neighbourhood. The Committee appeal to the public for the continuance of their kind interest in The Home.'

From The Willesden Chronicle, 1925

1937

'Over 1,000 stray and unwanted cats and dogs are collected every month, and good homes are found for healthy animals.'

From Willesden Monthly Illustrated, 1937

1940

'After the outbreak of the war, surgeries at The Mayhew were still maintained but on a smaller scale owing to the huge evacuation of people and children from London in the anticipation of heavy air raids that did not materialise until later on. I remember how eerie it was to see the blacked out streets around Willesden Junction'

From Mr Hugh Frost MRCVS

1950s

'The First task in the mornings was doling out breakfasts. No tinned foods in those days! Each day, a huge pan of meat was cooked, ready for the following day and this was cut up for the dogs and cats'.

From 'Memories of The Mayhew Animal Home: forty years ago' by Mary Overy, The Mayhew Newsletter, 1995

1982

'Last year, more than 13,000 animals were looked after by the team of 12 staff. The society's council says The Home has to close because it cost more than £100,000 last year to run'

From The Willesden Observer, 1982

1996

'Anyone who visits The Mayhew soon becomes aware that a quart is being poured into a pint pot. For example, at noon on 11th march we had 58 cats, 23 kittens, 1 puppy and 59 other birds and animals in our care - including a goat. A couple of hours later the numbers rose by two cats and four kittens, found abandoned in a box outside the door to The Home.'

From The Mayhew newsletter, 1996

2009

The Mayhew is home to 150 cats, 40 dogs and 15 rabbits. It costs the home over £3,460 a day to keep The Home and our outreach programmes up and running. But still no matter what changes, The Mayhew Animal Home is still dedicated to its core mission which is:

• To take in and care for unwanted and abused animals and re-home them with responsible and caring owners. We believe that animals, as living creatures, are entitled to legal, moral and ethical consideration, and have a value beyond economic measure.
• To prevent unwanted animals through our neutering initiatives and community animal care projects.
• To promote respect and compassion for animals through our hands on work, campaigns and education programmes.
• To ensure that no healthy animal in our care is ever put to sleep.