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Votes open for new Purr Minister
purr minister
For the third year running, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is asking the public to vote for their favourite cat in Westminster.
Who has the best whiskers in Westminster?

The claws are out again this year as politically minded felines battle for the position of Purr Minister. For the third year running, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is asking the public to vote for their favourite cat in Westminster.

Cats belonging to seven of the country's politicians have made their way onto the shortlist and are vying for the top spot.

Battersea's head of catteries, Lindsay Quinlan, commented: "This year we’ve some really cat-tivating contenders and we urge the public to make their vote count by backing one of our political pussycats. It’s meow or never!"

Last year's winner was Billy, owned by the former Mid Dorset & North Poole MP, Dame Annette Brooke. She said: "We acquired Billy from a rescue centre in Dorset last July, and were so impressed with them.

"My family stay in touch with the centre, letting them know how Billy is getting on, and I would really encourage anyone looking for a new pet to rehome from a rescue."

Voting for the Purr Minister elections will run until midnight on Sunday, 6 March and the winner will be announced the following day. To view the 'Manifurstos' and place your vote, visit: www.battersea.org.uk/purrminister2016

This year's nominees are:
  • Collar, as nominated by Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, has had a tough background but has learnt how to live with humans again after she was found abandoned in a greenhouse in the snow two years ago.
  • Mango, as nominated by Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, has a purr-sonal statement that is of a high pedigree and will use all of his seven lives devoted to the claws.
  • Midnight, as nominated by Victoria Prentis, MP for Banbury, was found as a stray behind a factory but now has the confidence and friendliness needed to steal the Purr Ministerial cat crown. 
  • Pixie and Smudge, as nominated by Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, are entering the competition as a purr, with one possessing clear leadership potential and the other a strong initiative to succeed.
  • Jackson, as nominated by Bill Esterson, MP for Sefton Central, is a true one nation cat and promises to be the best ambassador for cats and rescue centres in both the North and the South.
  • Charlie, as nominated by Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton, will fight tooth and claw to bring down unempawment and under Claws 4 of the Bundescat is promising free cream for all.
  • Parsnip, as nominated by Mark Spencer, MP for Sherwood, is promising the return of free milk and a ban on all fur products – according to his Manifursto.

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home


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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.