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'Paw-cassos' create artwork for charity
Rescue cat, Banjo, with his artwork

Cats produce virtual paintings to raise funds for Cats Protection

Creative cats at Cats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre have produced some unique artwork in order to raise money for the charity.

Residents of the adoption centre were given a tablet and painting app, in order to avoid dirty paws, to make virtual paintings expressing their creativity.

The unusual project has provided the rescue cats with hours of stimulation and enjoyment and hopes to raise vital funds for the charity so they can continue to help more cats and kittens this winter.

Bel Livingstone, manager of the adoption centre, explained: “We always knew our cats were special but I really didn’t realise the wealth of untapped talent here. Everyone’s welcome to come along and view the cat art on display and of course take the opportunity to meet the artists.”

Volunteer Valeria Higgins, who initiated the project, said: “The cats displayed very different artistic styles. Some were very keen to start painting and would cover the whole canvas within a matter of seconds, while others would look at the screen and ponder what they wanted to draw – ending up with just a single paw print in the middle of the painting. All the artwork is totally unique.”

One of the feline "Paw-cassos" in need of a new home is affectionate three-year-old Banjo, whose use of blobs and splotches, combined with pleasing colour combinations, makes for a unique and thought-provoking home decoration.

The cats produced a total of 39 paintings, with prices starting from £1 for a small print and framed paintings for £10. The art was on sale at Cats Protection’s Christmas Craft Fair in Belfast on Saturday, November 30.

Images courtesy of Cats Protection

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.