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Noel Fitzpatrick receives a Guinness World Record
Noel Fitzpatrick receiving his award
Noel says he is "thrilled" that the work carried out at Fitzpatrick Referrals has been recognised by the Guinness World Records.
Award presented for world-first operation on Oscar the cat

World-renowned vet Noel Fitzpatrick has been presented with a Guinness World Record for his pioneering operation on Oscar the cat - the world's first animal to receive two bionic leg implants.

Oscar lost both his hind feet in an accident with a combine harvester in 2009. He was flown from his home in Jersey to Fitzpatrick Referrals, where he was given intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthetics, that allow skin to adhere to metal, and a pair of unique plastic feet enabling him to walk again.

Noel was presented with the world record at London Pet Show last week by Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of the Guinness World Records. It recognises the extraordinary efforts of Noel and his team at Fitzpatrick Referrals.

Commenting on the award, Noel said: "The Guinness Book of Records was the first book I ever had, so receiving this award is a real honour!

"I’m very humbled, you’re only as good as your next operation – you only ever think about providing hope to pets and their owners and doing your best.

"To be able to help them through the toughest times and see pets like Oscar make a full recovery is the most rewarding feeling and I’m thrilled that the work we carry out at Fitzpatrick Referrals has been recognised by Guinness World Records."

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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.