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First 'Manifesto for Cats' to be unveiled in parliament
Cat close up
"Delivery of the manifesto would improve the lives of thousands of cats and prevent them from harm".

Manifesto outlines measures to protect cats from abandonment, harm and neglect

The nation's first 'Manifesto for Cats' will be launched at a parliamentary event ahead of the next General Election.

Cats Protection will reveal its 10-point document, "Speaking up for Cats", at a reception hosted by Neil Parish MP, Chairman of the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, at the House of Commons on 10 February, 2015.

The manifesto will outline measures to protect cats from abandonment, harm and neglect.  It will include a 'wish list' of policies such as banning snares, tighter regulations on the licensing of air guns, controlling the irresponsible breeding and sale of cats, and the inclusion of animal welfare in the National Curriculum.

The charity consulted with the public on the manifesto over a three month period. Over 93 per cent of those surveyed agreed with all 10 manifesto proposals.  Cats Protection hope that the document will help shape the future of animal welfare legislation.

Cats Protection's Advocacy Manager Jacqui Cuff commented: “Over the past few years, we have been contacted about a worrying number of issues that our supporters and the general public want us to raise with Government.

"Cats Protection is pleased to be working with Government and to be presenting our first ever Manifesto for Cats. Delivery of the manifesto would improve the lives of thousands of cats and prevent them from harm.

“On a daily basis we hear and witness instances where cats suffer unimaginable pain and suffering – from being the unintended victim of a snare, being peppered with shots from air guns or trying to survive without food or shelter as an unwanted and abandoned stray on the streets.


“As part of a caring society, it is our duty to speak up for cats.  Policies need to change and politicians can make that happen. As we approach the 2015 General Election we are calling on existing and prospective MPs to get behind our Manifesto for Cats to ensure that one of the nation's best loved pets is fully protected by policies and the law.”

Neil Parish MP added: “As a cat owner myself I am delighted to host the launch of the first ever ‘Manifesto for Cats’. There are areas of feline welfare where more work should can be done to tackle cat abandonment. I look forward to submitting this Manifesto to the Secretary of State”.

In addition to the manifesto, the charity will also be releasing a new video on YouTube in which cat lovers will call on politicians to take action to improve feline welfare in the UK.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.