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Celebrities donate 'paw prints' to cat charity auction
Dae Judi Dench
Dame Judi Dench has donated her 'paw print' to raise funds for Cats Protection.

Dame Judi Dench and Flavia Cacace Mistry are amongst the stars

A group of cat-loving celebrities are donating their 'paw prints' to raise funds for Cats Protection, the leading feline welfare charity.

The Celebrity Paws auction will launch on 20 November and will run for 10 days.

Dame Judi Dench, Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson and dancer Flavia Cacace Mistry are amongst the stars who have already pledged their support to the campaign.  

Cats Protection asked each celebrity to draw round their hand, decorate it and then sign it to create a unique item. All of the drawings will be auctioned on Ebay in November to raise much-needed funds for the charity.

Louise Waters, spokesman for Cats Protection, said: "This is the eighth year we have hosted our Celebrity Paws auction. Over the years it has attracted fantastic support from famous cat lovers - from Prime Ministers and artists to award-winning actors and TV favourites, and we expect this year to be just as popular.
"

"Each ‘paw’ will be signed by the celebrity and will be completely authentic. As with previous years, we expect these unique artworks will really get people bidding and raise some vital funds for unwanted cats and kittens."

From November, interested bidders will be able to
view the full list of paw prints available on the Cats Protection website.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.