1 week Ago By [email protected] (Lisa Letcher)
Former customers are calling for a mass boycott of a Costa Coffee branch in Cornwall after it banned a friendly cat from entering the café. A petition was set up urging the coffee giant to reconsider letting Dillon inside the store at Pentewan Park, . The orange cat, who lives in the area and has a loving home, has spent years getting attention from customers inside the branch.
Now, following what is believed to be a single complaint, and resigned to a Costa box outside of its doors. The petition, which has received 1,744 signatures as of Wednesday, April 9, has been unsuccessful, with a spokesperson for Costa Coffee are allowed inside. Lilith Hodgson, who set up the petition to allow Dillon back in, says a complaint was made by a customer at the store, resulting in his banishment.
Dozens have since planned to stop going to the store, saying he was a sort of therapy cat and far more people were happier having him there snoozing on one of the chairs than would have wanted to complain about him. While people regularly mistake him as being lost he's not far from home and loves to peruse the car park area for attention and even visits the Express store where he sometimes gets fed. Now he can be found in a sad-looking Costa Coffee box outside the branch, which staff have kindly provided for him in an attempt to "keep everyone happy".
Lilith says that Dillon's presence has been "a highlight throughout my life". She wrote on the petition, which she set up on Sunday, March 30, that she was "deeply moved" by his story and hoped Costa would reconsider. "I write this, deeply moved by the story of Dillon, the local cat that has become part of the fabric of our community in its daily presence at Costa.
Dillon's companionship has been a highlight throughout my life and undoubtedly the lives of many others. "Recently, however, a fellow customer complained about Dillon's presence, resulting in Dillon being forced to stay outside. This has deeply affected our community, transforming our treasured coffee visits into melancholic reminders of Dillon's absence.
" "The café environment poses no harm to cats either. Cats Protection League, the UK's leading feline welfare charity, supports that cats can adapt well to indoor living, providing they have access to basic needs and stimulating environments. Costa, with its varied visitors and a caring staff, provides this very environment.
" A Costa Coffee spokesperson said: “Dillon the cat has been a well-loved visitor to our franchise owned and operated store in Pentewan Park. "However, in line with our policy, only assistance and well-behaved dogs (in our dog-friendly stores) are permitted in our stores. We appreciate the community’s understanding as we uphold a consistent experience for all customers.
” Since then, customers have been calling for a boycott. One remarked: "Won't be going for coffee anymore." Lynette Munoz said at the time: "1,000 people who signed the petition should get coffee elsewhere.
" James Allan adds: "We should all boycott the store then.".
