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MPs debate control of antifreeze
antifreeze
More than 20 cases of antifreeze poisoning have been reported in one village.
Spate of antifreeze poisonings in cats prompts Westminster debate

MPs are today debating the control of antifreeze products after a spate of cat poisonings in Nottinghamshire.

Mark Spencer, MP for Sherwood, has raised the issue in parliament where an adjournment debate is taking place at Westminster Hall today.

The RSPCA is investigating more than 20 cases of suspected antifreeze poisoning in just one Nottinghamshire village.

Sadly, this situation is not isolated. In July this year, five cats were poisoned on the same street in Padiham, Lancashire.

Antifreeze is sweet tasting and commonly contains ethylene glycol. Ingesting even small amounts can lead to fatal kidney failure, particularly in cats.

Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, seizures, difficulty breathing, increased thirst and urination.

Earlier this year a Yorkshire cat charity joined international calls to add a bitterant to antifreeze products. A petition on Change.org urging the same has so far received more than 22,500 signatures.

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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.