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Who's the top cat of Westminster?
Image Larry 10 Downing Street cat
Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet.

Battersea on the prowl for the first Purr Minister

MPs and Lords from across the country have been nominating their feline friends, in the hope they will be chosen as the first ever Purr Minister.

The competition has been launched by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, who are on the hunt for a top feline to join the likes of Larry, former Battersea resident who three years ago became chief mouser for No 10 Downing Street.

Fellow felines in search of a little governmental glory have each submitted a "Manifursto" explaining why they should win the public vote to be Purr Minister.

The shortlist has now been revealed, with hopefuls including Parsnip, who promises "the return of free milk", "improved fishing rights for the UK" and "1p levy, donated to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for every cat's eye used on the highway."

MP for Swindon North, Justin Tomlinson, nominated his cat Montague, who states: "I have trained Justin & Jo to provide treats and attention on call. To keep them in check, I’ve formed a coalition with my sister Maggie and Susie the scruffy rescue dog.

"My interests are food, sleeping and miaowing loudly throughout the night which I think Justin & Jo appreciate."

To view the Manifurstos and vote for your favourite, visit Battersea's website. The election closes on February 13, 2014.

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.