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Britain's most playful pets revealed
Bubb and CHing
Bubb and Ching from Cornwall have been dubbed the nation's most playful pets.
Winners prove playtime is key for happy, healthy animals
 
Two Hungarian vizsla dogs from Cornwall have been named Britain's most playful pets by the National Office of Animal Health.

The winners were picked from over 430 entries by a panel of judges which included the Mayhew Animal Home and Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals Department (CAD), RSPCA.

It was Bubb and Ching's love of walking and searching for their favourite toys that won the hearts of the judges, helping to prove that
playtime is essential for happy, healthy pets.

Bubb and Ching’s proud owner Rose comments: “Bubb and Ching absolutely love to be out in the fresh Cornish air. If we’re not going for a long walk, we’ll be swimming in the sea or playing hide-and-seek with their favourite toys.

"I feel that it’s really important that Bubb and Ching are stimulated both in mind and body, so when it’s a lousy day weather-wise we’ll hide their favourite toys in the house for them to find. They really love this game and because they are having to use their brains, it really challenges them and tires them out.

"They are incredibly active and their energy is a great positive influence. I am thrilled that we can help to educate others about the importance of play for pets’ wellbeing.”

Head of CAD, RSPCA, Dr Samantha Gaines adds: "We chose Bubb and Ching because they look like they are having a great time together in their photo. Their owners are providing regular exercise and activities which allows them to perform natural behaviours and this is an important part of making sure dogs live an enjoyable and healthy life."

The competition ran as part of NOAH’s Happy, Healthy Pets Project – an online gallery aiming to build the UK’s largest ever picture of pet health.

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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.