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Cats Protection appoints new interim head
Pictured: Charles Darley, the new interim head of Cats Protection.
The charity has also appointed three new trustees. 

Cats Protection, the cat welfare charity, has appointed a new interim chief executive, along with three new trustees.

Charles Darley, who has much experience in the not-for-profit sector, including chief executive and senior leadership roles in the Church of England, the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), Open University, Virgin Media and Royal Mail, has taken over the role of chief executive from James Yeates.

Linda Upson, chair of Cats Protection, commented on the appointment: “It’s a pleasure to announce the appointment of Charles who has a track record of leading growth and transformation across more than a dozen charities, after a career leading business transformation as a marketing and strategy director in a number of FTSE-listed companies. 

“As an experienced interim, he has committed to leading the organisation for the next 12 months and define the details of the delivery plan for the first stage in our 10-year strategy.”

Charles, a self-described 'enthusiastic cat owner', commented on the significance of cats in reducing stress and loneliness: “During the Covid lockdowns, cats have become increasingly important to the nation’s mental health.

“However, 4.5m cats still show some signs of stress themselves so I’m delighted to play a part in helping owners understand how to improve their cats’ wellbeing and welfare.”

Cats Protection has also appointed three new trustees, media expert Amanda Farnsworth, chief executive of Warwick Students' Union Rob Parkinson, and fellow chartered accountant Sarah Hunt, who is currently head of Audit UK & Ireland for IAG. 

Linda added: “We’re excited to have this new group of experts join the charity and bring their unique talents and perspectives.

“Together they will help continue to position Cats Protection as the UK’s leading cat welfare charity.”

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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.