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Blue Cross calls on volunteers to help foster small animals
Blue Cross in Newport currently has a waiting list of 20 guinea pigs and rabbits.

Charity desperately seeking help for rabbits and guinea pigs

Animal charity Blue Cross in Newport is seeking people to help foster homeless small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. 


The organisations' Willenhall Street centre currently has a waiting list of 20 guinea pigs and rabbits, all in desperate need of a new home. But the unit doesn’t have any on-site accommodation, so is desperately seeking volunteers to foster the animals until a permanent placement can be found.


Blue Cross runs a Home Direct scheme that allows small animals to be re-homed from their current place of residence. However, the isn’t always possible for owners who need to find urgent accommodation for their pet. 


One volunteer who is currently fostering two baby rabbits is 32-year-old Laura Drummond. Laura, who saw the centre’s plea for foster carers on Facebook, said that she would urge any animal lover to follow in her footsteps.

“I work from home and have plenty of space and by fostering you feel like you’re making a real difference and get lots of support from the unit’s team.

“Currently I’m fostering some adorable three-month-old rabbits called Binky and Hopper who will be difficult to let go for sure but it’s just so rewarding to see animals I’ve helped head off to a loving new home, and I know there’s always more waiting to take their place in my home.”


Blue Cross Newport centre manager said: “We desperately need more foster carers like Laura to help us to help more small animals in the area. We currently only have four volunteers who can help us and they are already caring for small animals for us.

“Our volunteer foster carers provide a temporary home and care for our animals until we can find loving forever homes for them. They can also help many small animals to grow in confidence and help us to understand the kind of forever home we need to find for them.”

Blue Cross will cover the costs associated with the care of looking after a small pet, including food and veterinary treatment, as well as provide all of the equipment volunteers will need. Volunteers are required to have space for a small pet and time to feed, clean and socialise the animals each day.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can find out more at www.bluecross.org.uk/volunteer or they can call the rehoming and advice unit on 0300 7771590.

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.