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RSPCA highlights plight of black cats
Black and black and white cats are seen more often in RSPCA centres than any other colour.

Pet owners urged to look beyond coat colour

On Black Cat Appreciation Day (17 August), the RSPCA is urging people to look beyond an animal’s appearance and understand that coat colour makes no difference to how much love they have to give.

RSPCA cat behaviour and welfare expert Sam Watson said: “All cats are individuals with their own quirks and personality, so I recommend people try to look beyond their colour to find the right match for them.

“At the RSPCA we care for all animals and believe each one deserves a second chance at happiness. If anyone is looking to become a cat owner we would urge them to adopt a rescue cat as there are so many that need loving homes.”

Rehoming figures published by the RSPCA show that black and black and white cats are seen more often in their centres than any other colour. Black cats are also most overlooked, taking on average 30 days to find a new home, compared to an average of 19 days for ginger cats.

The charity believes it could be because black cats are more common, but also that ginger and tabby cats are seen as more unusual or different.

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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.