Over 160 cats rescued from Olympic Park

Since June 2007, CHAT has been given special access to the Olympic Park on over 54 occasions, resulting in 168 cats and kittens being captured.

Over 200 buildings had to be demolished on the 2.5 sq km Olympic Park and the majority of the site, including the main five Venues, is now clear. The ODA will continue to work with CHAT until the demolition programme completes in March.

ODA Chief Executive, David Higgins said: 'We are grateful for the Celia Hammond Animal Trust’s expert help in capturing cats and kittens from the site. Although the Olympic Park is a live construction site, we have been closely working with CHAT to arrange safe access and have ensured that 168 cats and kittens have been successfully captured.

'We will continue to work together until all the buildings within the Olympic Park are demolished in March.'

Founder of the Celia Hammond Animal Trust, Celia Hammond said: 'The rescue of such a large number of cats from the Olympic Park, during the demolition phase, has been a huge challenge for the Trust.

'Although the construction activity on the site restricts access, the Trust hopes to continue to work with the ODA to ensure that any remaining cats are brought safely off site for treatment and rehoming by CHAT.'

The ODA has implemented a thorough ecology action plan to identify, protect and preserve wildlife on the Olympic Park. Each building within the Park has been thoroughly checked for wildlife ahead of demolition.

Notes to editors:

1. To find out more about CHAT, please visit http://www.celiahammond.org/

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For further information please contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 700

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