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Blue Cross seeks hero pets for 2018 medal
Romeo was awarded the Blue Cross Medal in 2017.
Medal recognises the amazing way pets change lives

Animal lovers are being urged to nominate their pet heroes for the Blue Cross Medal 2018.

Up to now, the Blue Cross Medal was aimed at working or assistance pets, or those that have saved lives in dramatic ways. This year, the charity is opening up the medal to the everyday pet heroes - from cats who are there to listen and guinea pigs that give children confidence.

Sally de la Bedoyere, Blue Cross chief executive, said: “With the Blue Cross Medal we want to honour the amazing things pets do for us and how they change our lives. If you know a pet that has made an incredible rescue and saved a life, or if someone’s cat, horse or rabbit is their hero just by being a friend, helping them through life’s challenges, then we want to hear from you.”

The winner of the 2017 Blue Cross medal was five-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross, Romeo. Romeo was nominated by his owner because he spends much of his time visiting residents in care homes and stroke patients. He also donates blood to the Royal Veterinary College, saving countless lives and transforming the stereotype of the breed.

Recognising animals and people for extraordinary acts is a long-held tradition of the Blue Cross. The charity gave veterinary care to horses during the First World War and, in 1917, awarded Major Methuen of the King's Royal Rifles for the rescue of horses under shellfire on the battlefield in France.

In 1940 the medal was expanded to recognise animal bravery. A dog named La Cloche was the first recipient of this award, for saving his owner after a torpedo hit their ship.

To find out more about the awards and to nominate a pet, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/medal. The closing date for entries is 4 February 2018.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.