Historic Scottish cat and dog charity names new boss as it appeals for £200,000

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, which was founded in 1883, has appointed Amelia Morgan as its new chief executive. She joins the charity at a crucial time as it faces unprecedented demand for its services and launches its “most important appeal to date”.

Morgan brings more than 20 years of leadership experience from the charity and public sectors, including senior roles at Venture Trust, Yorkshire Universities and Scottish Canals.

Matt Smith and Jo Talbot, co-chairs of the board of trustees, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Amelia as our new CEO. Her wealth of experience and proven leadership will guide the home into its next chapter. She will enhance our capacity to meet the growing need for our services while remaining true to our mission of protecting and supporting dogs and cats, and the people who care for them.”

Morgan added: “The home has an amazing track record, and the work of the team is truly life-changing in supporting and caring for dogs and cats in need of loving homes. I believe strongly in compassion for animals and the joy of having dogs and cats as part of the family.”

The organisation said its annual winter appeal highlighted the scale of need across east and central Scotland. This year the home has received around 40 calls each day from pet owners seeking advice or support.

Between January and October, more than 300 animals were accepted into care, almost half of them arriving as strays, while 700 owners asked for help to surrender their pets. The organisation also provided more than half a million pet meals in the first ten months of the year, yet this met only half of the requests received.

Rising operational costs and growing demand mean that the home must raise some £200,000 through the winter appeal in order to continue providing essential care, food, shelter and support for animals. It costs around £3 million a year to run Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.