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One special rescue dog set to meet the Queen
Battersea dog with crown
Anyone who has adopted a Battersea dog can enter by tweeting a photo or video of their pooch to @BDCH.

A royal occasion to celebrate Battersea's new kennels

Her Majesty the Queen is set to open Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's new kennels this month. To celebrate this grand occasion, one former rescue dog and their owner will be returning to the home for the royal visit.

Nearly a year ago, the charity vowed to replace its old Victorian kennels with £1.9 million state-of-the-art facilities. Having first opened its doors more than 150 years ago, Battersea wanted to bring its kennels into the 21st century.

Her Majesty has been the charity's royal patron since May 18, 1956. She will officially open the new kennels on March 17 and during her visit, one very special rescue dog will be able to meet her.

Claire Horton, Battersea's chief executive said: "What Battersea dog owner wouldn’t want their pet to see The Queen?

"At Battersea we pride ourselves on giving a second chance of happiness to thousands of dogs every year, and now we can offer one outstanding former resident the extraordinary experience of joining us to greet our royal patron."

Anyone who has adopted a Battersea dog can enter by sending a photo or video of their pooch to the charity's Twitter page (@BDCH) with the hashtag #Maamsbestfriend. Proud owners can be as creative as they like with their entries.

The competition will run until Friday, March 6 and the winning dog will be notified on March 12, so they can prepare for their royal appointment.

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

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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.