The much-loved broadcaster was a keen advocate for animals.

Animal welfare charities have paid tribute to Paul O’Grady MBE, who died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening, aged 67.

The presenter and comedian was well-known as a dog-lover and supporter of animal welfare, hosting the award-winning documentary television series Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs for more than a decade.

The programme followed the team at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, with O’Grady meeting the dogs that came into the centres. Following the first series in 2012, he quickly became closely associated with the charity, giving a home to several dogs from its centres and promoting its work as an ambassador. A total of 10 series of the show have been broadcast, with an eleventh due to air in April.

Paying tribute to O’Grady, Battersea chief executive Peter Laurie said: “Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres. Paul will always be associated with Battersea and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity.”

O’Grady also served as an ambassador for the charity StreetVet, which works to provide free veterinary care and services to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.

StreetVet co-founder and clinical director Jade Statt said: “I have been struggling to find the words to do Paul’s impact justice. He was genuine, warm, open and caring with every StreetVet client and dog he met, immediately putting everyone at ease with his humour and mischief.

“He always had a twinkle in his eye, an infectious laugh and never failed to make me smile. It was an absolute privilege to have Paul as an ambassador for StreetVet. He was a true advocate for man’s best friend and a wonderful human being. We are thinking of everyone who loved him at this sad time.”

Pets were an important part of O'Grady's life from childhood onwards, with some of them, such as the dogs Buster Elvis Savage and Olga, frequently appearing alongside him on TV. He also kept a variety of farm animals at his smallholding in Kent.

O’Grady’s work helping animals was recognised by the RSPCA, who presented him with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare at the charity’s Animal Hero Awards in 2016.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “Paul O'Grady's love for animals and the incredible way he told their stories inspired countless families to re-home rescue pets and give them a second chance of happiness.

“His tireless campaigning saw Paul recognised with an RSPCA Animal Hero Award for his outstanding contribution to animal welfare, while he once adopted a little lamb Winston from us who had been rescued from a wheelie bin.

“The thoughts of all at the RSPCA are with his loved ones and our friends at Battersea at this difficult and sad time.”

Image (C) RSPCA