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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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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.