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Battersea's cats prepare to tackle parliamentary mice
Jill is on a list of cats ready to be rehome at the House of Commons where mice are nibbling parliamentary papers
Jill is on a list of cats ready to be rehome at the House of Commons where mice are nibbling parliamentary papers

Charity ready to answer MPs call with a list of its top mousers

A list of top mousers has been drawn up by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home ready to help catch rodents who are ruining offices in the House of Commons.

Three years ago, Battersea came to the rescue of the Prime Minister when it rehoused Larry the cat to help kill mice at 10 Downing Street.

Now MPs have called for Battersea to help tackle mice damaging parliamentary offices in the House of Commons.

According to MPs, sightings of mouse colonies are common in Westminster while they have also reported finding droppings and nibbled corners on official documents.

Pauline Latham, MP for Mid Derbyshire, is the latest parliamentarian to speak out in favour of the move during a debate about the damage.

The world famous animal rescue centre has revealed that it actually offered to house cats at the Palace of Westminster last year. That offer still stands.

Mrs Latham said: “Battersea Dogs & Cats Home do a fantastic job, and I would certainly love to have one of their cats come and take care of the mouse problem in my office.”

Anne McIntosh MP for Thirsk and Malton, and  chairman of the House of Commons EFRA select committee,  raised the mouse issue with the Leader of the House Andrew Lansley MP last year.

“In my view, provided the situation was controlled with care, particularly considering the welfare of those allergic to cats, the best way to control and eliminate the mouse problem in Parliament would be a rescue cat,” she said.

The charity has rehomed cats for over 130 years and cares for around 190 cats at any one time across its three centres in London, Berkshire and Kent.

The hit list of chief mousers includes three-year-old Jill who has experience of exterminating mice in her last home,  four-year-old Finn who pounce on anything that moves, and cunning one-year-old Bloom.


 

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.