Where is the evidence for removing the animals?

While the council has missed its legal deadline to provide a full response to my Freedom of Information request, we do at least now have three veterinary reports. And here's the interesting part...

Not one of them recommends permanently rehoming the animals at Pets Corner.

In fact, the latest veterinary report, from July 2025, describes the animals as healthy and the facilities as being in good working order.

Yet RBWM has cited animal welfare concerns to justify permanently rehoming the animals.

We're still waiting for crucial information, including the records behind the decision, the financial implications and what alternatives were considered.

I've now reported the council's overdue FOI response to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

I've also submitted a public question to Councillor Mark Wilson for the Full Council meeting on 17th of November, asking what professional evidence supported the decision and whether financial savings played a part.

With over 1,500 people backing our campaign, it's clear how much Pets Corner means to the Riverside community and Maidenhead. We deserve transparency about its future.

One important thing you can do right now

The RBWM ePetition closes on 11th November - just two days away.

Even if you’ve signed on Change, you still need to sign the council’s petition separately.
Please sign here:  https://rbwm.moderngov.co.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=2251

(Why is there a second petition: Our Change petition has demonstrated huge public support and help share our message widely without delay waiting for the council to approve the ePetition. However, councils can sometimes give less weight to petitions hosted on external platforms, rather than those submitted through their own official processes. We don’t want RBWM to have any reason to dismiss or downplay the strength of local feeling simply because signatures were collected on Change.That’s why we also launched a petition through RBWM’s ePetition system. Signatures don’t transfer between the two, so even if you’ve already signed on Change please sign the RBWM petition too).

We want the animals properly cared for and kept at Pets Corner for future generations to enjoy.

Please sign the council petition and share this update. Let's make sure residents' voices are heard.