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Battersea issues plea as 'kitten season' ramps up
"We would urge anyone in need of help or guidance to contact us" - JoAnna Puzzo, Battersea.
Owners and finders of unwanted kittens urged to contact rescue centres.

Finders and owners of unwanted kittens and pregnant cats during 'kitten season' are being urged to take them to rescue centres where they can be properly cared for.

JoAnna Puzzo from Battersea said the charity often sees pregnant cats and litters in the summer months, and wants people to know that the charity can take care of those kittens if they have nowhere else to go.

“We would urge anyone in need of help or guidance to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help in any way we can,” she said. “There’s never any judgement – if you can’t care for them, bringing them to a rescue like Battersea is the most responsible decision.”

Kitten season lasts from April through to late autumn, during which animal charities tend to receive an influx of pregnant cats and kittens. Among Battersea's most recent arrivals include Locky, who was abandoned by his mum at a few days old, and Etna, who decided to break into a stranger's home to give birth.

The charity urges anyone who might spot a litter of kittens outside to monitor them and see if the mother returns. Similarly, finders of abandoned kittens are encouraged to check around the area to ensure the mother cat is a stray.

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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.