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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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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'