THE Cats' Protection shelter in Hindhead, which was at the centre of a row earlier this year when it was decided to close the unit and sell-up, has had a stay of execution.
A spokesman from head officetold The Herald on Wednesday that although there were still plans to close the shelter, it was now back up to full capacity.
It was now fully staffed and taking in cats from the local area.
"There are 43 cats there that need new homes," said the spokesman, who added that the shelter had been open for two months.
"It's very good news,:" said co-ordinator of the Guildford and Godalming branch of Cats' Protection Jane Benwell."It shows that centre is needed."
"There is nothing similar in this area, and if the shelter closes the only shelters available are at Banstead in Surrey, or Newbury in Berkshire."
She warned: " People aren't going to take their cats there - they will dump them if they close this shelter," warned Mrs
Benwell. "We are just hoping that the trustees and the chief executive Derek Conway will see sense and realise that it is needed," she added.
Controversy raged at the Nearea Cat Shelter in Woolmer Hill Road, when volunteers claimed the shelter which some believe was bequeathed to the charity was to be sold. They were dismayed when they found out that £250,000 was being spent to send a qualified vet to university on a five-year lectureship.
The decision was taken to close the Hindhead shelter and help fund a bigger shelter in Banstead. Plans for the new shelter are still ongoing.
p The cat shelter can be contacted on 01428 604297.