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Reformed 'ASBO cat' seeks loving home
PC Polly
PC Polly is looking for a fresh start. 
Former kitty criminal can't wait to start a new life on the outside

Cats Protection's adoption centre in Belfast is in search of new home for a cat with a history of feline felony.

Affectionately named 'PC Polly' by staff at the centre, the attractive dark tortoiseshell was brought into Cats Protection for rehabilitation after being "arrested" by local police in Armagh for disorderly conduct in March 2013.

PC Polly first made herself known by chasing a member of the public up and down the road, meowing incessantly and generally making a quite a scene. When they tried to shoo her away, PC Polly lashed out and scratched them - probably because she wanted them to know how hungry she was.

Knowing that they were in desperate need of help, the member of the public approached a local policewoman who was luckily a cat lover.  The policewoman took PC Polly to a veterinary clinic, who in turn contacted Cats Protection.

PC Polly was taken in by Gillian who volunteers for Cats Protection's Armagh branch. Despite her offence, the naughty tortie quickly took to Gillian and in turn, Gillian developed a real fondness to her.

Gillian said: “She was feisty when she first came in, but we let her come to us for affection on her terms, and we soon grew to love her strong character. She became much calmer and more loving after some TLC in the form of warmth and food.”

PC Polly was then transferred to the Cats Protection's Belfast adoption centre, where staff are now hoping that she will find her forever home.

“She is a stunning looking girl and she takes medication easily for a heart problem she has,” said adoption centre manager Bel Livingstone. “She is young – only about 2 years old and we think she will make a great pet for the right people. However, her “shady” past means she wouldn’t suit a young family. No one can be sure what triggered her aggressive behaviour – perhaps it was as simple as someone stepping on her tail!”
 
PC Polly has been in custody for 300 days now and her rehabilitation for a life on the outside is complete.
 
Bel added: “We are hoping that a special person or people will come forward and give PC Polly the second chance she deserves. We think even a cat with an ASBO deserves a fresh start!”
 

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.