Honorary Doctorate for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Boss

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University of Roehampton recognises Claire Horton's work in animal welfare

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Chief Executive Claire Horton has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Roehampton, in recognition of her success in raising standards across the animal welfare sector.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Chief Executive Claire Horton

The award also pays tribute to her furthering the profile of the 155 year old charity, which has gained worldwide recognition from welfare specialists.

Mrs Horton, who joined Battersea as its Chief Executive in 2010, has a background of 30 years working in management across the voluntary sector. Since joining, public support has rocketed, the number of animals helped has increased and Battersea’s income has risen from £10m to £30million per annum.

Nominating Mrs Horton for the honour, Professor Garry Marvin from the University of Roehampton’s Department of Life Sciences, said,“Claire has proved a persuasive and resourceful ambassador, developing a significant sphere of influence using every possible opportunity to ensure that the work of the Home is seen and understood by key influencers as well as the British public.”

After receiving her honorary doctorate, Mrs Horton said, “I’m terribly honoured and very excited, it’s an honour for me as the leader of Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, and also recognition for the home’s role in our community and across the UK.”

She added, “For me a degree is very much the start of something, and it takes all of that learning to shape who we become. We shape our values at university, we shape our politics, our social circle and it really sets you up for where you want to go next, so I have a great deal of respect for people who complete degrees. It takes a fair bit of grit and steel for people to do a degree but there is so much to be gained.”

The University’s Chancellor, the author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, who presented Mrs Horton with the honorary doctorate owns one of its cats and a dog.

Honorary doctorates are presented by the University to a small number of eminent people each year in recognition of their outstanding achievement or distinction in a specific field or within public life.