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Cat fosterers needed to help domestic abuse survivors
"Fostering for Paws Protect is a rewarding experience, offering a survivor of abuse the freedom to flee with the knowledge their beloved cats are safe" – Natalie Ratcliffe.
Call comes as Paws Protect scheme expands into East Anglia.

A cat fostering service is appealing for volunteers to help domestic abuse survivors by fostering cats in their own homes.

Paws Protect, run by Cats Protection, provides temporary fostering for cats of domestic abuse survivors. The initiative is expanding into East Anglia, following a 53 per cent increase in the number of referrals from people in the region needing support.

Many refuges are unable to accept pets and this can create a barrier for some people trying to escape domestic abuse.

Once the survivor has found suitable accommodation, their cat is returned to them. A cat will typically stay with a fosterer for five months.

The service has been operating in London and the South East since 2017 and was recently launched in Yorkshire. Paws Protect works in partnership with Dogs Trust’s Freedom Project, which provides temporary care for dogs.

Natalie Ratcliffe, Paws Protect manager for East Anglia, said: “We are urgently appealing for volunteers to foster cats in their own homes. Expenses such as vet bills and food costs are covered by Cats Protection, so this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of a cat and help someone in need.

“Fostering for Paws Protect is a rewarding experience, offering a survivor of abuse the freedom to flee with the knowledge their beloved cats are safe. Ninety-six per cent of our current volunteers said that fostering a cat through Paws Protect has had a positive impact on their wellbeing and mental health, which is a bonus to the valued help they are providing.”

Details about how to volunteer can be found online.

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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.