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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th June 2013
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The secret life of cats
Broadcast of live study reveals insight

Ever thought about what your cat might be getting up to when it leaves home for the day?

Well, wonder no more. A brand new "live study" is to hit our screens, allowing us to find out their every movement beyond the cat-flap.

At 9pm on Thursday 13 June, BBC2 will air The Secret Life of Cats as part of its scientific Horizon series.

During the programme, academics from the University of Lincoln will share their study, which features 50 cats from a village in Surrey being put under 24-hour surveillance.

The cats, which were fitted with GPS collars and cat-cams, were recorded as they hunted, patrolled and frolicked in the outdoors.

Dr Sarah Ellis, one of the study's leaders from Lincoln's School of Life Sciences, said: "We collected a huge amount of data simultaneously over the course of a week, which is potentially the greatest data-set of this sort collected from pet cats."

The programme will also look at vocalisations and relationships with owners. A follow-up to the main broadcast can be seen at 10pm on Friday 14 June.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.