David Gandy with Cocobean
Internationally renowned male supermodel David Gandy has offered his full support to champion the work of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, one of the world’s best known animal charities, by becoming its first Ambassador.
David Gandy, the UK’s biggest international male modelling export, made his debut in fashion as the face of Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue fragrance. He has gone on to work alongside supermodels including Giselle, Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova and actress, Scarlett Johansson and has shot with the world’s most sought after photographers. His face and body have graced the covers of the most coveted global fashion magazines he is currently the face of the 2011/12 Marks & Spencer campaign.
David is also a keen animal lover and despite his extensive modelling commitments worldwide, he is a frequent visitor to Battersea’s iconic London site and a passionate supporter of the Home’s vital animal welfare work.
David said; “It’s a real honour to be invited to be Battersea’s first ambassador. The work they do to find homes for thousands of dogs and cats every year is amazing and I hope to help make a real difference. What makes Battersea so special is it cares for every type of dog and tries to help them get a second chance in a loving new home.”
“From visiting the Home, I’ve found that these dogs – many of them Staffordshire Bull Terriers – are desperate to get close to you for some love and attention. The affection they show you is astounding. I hope my involvement will help explain that and make people think of choosing a rescue dog or cat from Battersea for their next pet.”
Claire Horton, Chief Executive of Battersea, believes having David Gandy as a leading Ambassador will have an immediate and tangible impact on the Home, which is one of the UK’s top twenty best known charities. “We are immensely grateful to David for being such a supporter of our work and agreeing to be our first ambassador. David has so many followers and we know his support will really go a long way in helping change attitudes, especially towards more responsible pet ownership. We really couldn’t ask for a better champion.”
Battersea is on the front line in animal welfare. In 2011 across its three centres in London, Old Windsor and Brands Hatch it took in over two thousand cats and over five thousand dogs and a staggering 1,869 were homeless Staffies. Many of the animals that come through its doors have been badly abused, neglected or trained to be aggressive by a minority of irresponsible owners. Battersea is calling for a thorough review of the existing dog laws to help reduce the UK’s stray and dangerous dog problem.
David Gandy first visited Battersea having been given a gift from a friend to sponsor a kennel at the London site. He added, “Battersea is determined to help tackle the problem of the strays on our streets and start chipping away at people’s attitudes towards more responsible pet ownership and breeds such as Staffies and I hope to help support them as much as I can.”