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Investigation launched after spate of cat poisoning
Antifreeze
Over 40 cats have been killed by anti-freeze in Boston.
44 cats killed in Boston

An investigation has been launched following the deaths of over 40 cats in Lincolnshire.

The police and the RSPCA are investigating after reports that at least 44 cats have died from anti-freeze poisoning, most of them in Woad Farm Road in Boston.

Speaking to the BBC, local vet Michael Kettle said: "This must be malicious because of the numbers, and the type of poison that is being used.

"The animals are coming in with extreme lethargy, shock and then they go into acute kidney failure and there is not much we can do for them, death occurs two days later.

Pet owners living in the area say that they are devastated by the deaths and are too scared to let their cats go outdoors.

Emma Hibbert, whose family has lost two cats, told the BBC: "It is hugely devastating having to tell your children that you have had to put the beloved family pet down.

"I have bi-polar disorder so these cats were a big part of my life but we just can't face any more pain.

"It's had an impact on the street as a whole, people won't let there cats out nobody will buy a new cat because they are scared they are giving it a death sentence."

The RSPCA says that the deaths are unlikely to be accidental due to the time of year. They are policing the area with Lincolnshire police officers and are asking residents to remain vigilant. 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.