Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th December 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Cat believed dead found after 11 years
Toby is now back at home with Justine and Eric Allan.
Toby has been reunited with his family thanks to his microchip.

A family in Nuneaton, Warwickshire has been reunited with their pet cat 11 years after they presumed he had died.

Toby had gone missing not long after Justine and Eric Allan moved home in December 2012. Living near a busy road, the family had feared the worse.

Now, owing to his microchip, he is finally back home.

A member of the public in nearby Bedworth contacted Cats Protection after she noticed that a cat she had occasionally fed, but hadn’t seen for a long time, was hanging around the bin stores of her building.

Thinking that the cat was a female which had gained weight, she phoned Cats Protection in case it was a pregnant stray which needed help.

Wendy Harris, coordinator for Cats Protection’s Coventry Branch, said: “A lady rang us late on Saturday evening when the cat appeared and our volunteer Lorraine went out at 9pm to scan the cat and it turned out not only did it have a chip but that he was a neutered male named Toby, rather than female as originally believed.”

The charity got in touch with the owners, who soon came to collect him.

Toby is now settling back into life at home, where he is getting to know Bernie, the family’s one-year-old King Charlies cavalier.

Mrs Allan said: “He doesn’t seem different at all, he’s obviously been cared for and fed by somebody, I just wish he could tell us what happened.

“I never thought in a million years I’d see him again. Think of all those things that have happened in that time. I’m so grateful to the lady who took him in and to Cats Protection for coming out on Saturday night especially as he wasn’t easy to catch!”

Madison Rogers, Cats Protection’s head of advocacy, campaigns and government relations, said: “It is always wonderful to hear stories like Toby’s where a cat and owner have been reunited thanks to their microchip after so many years apart.

“We cannot know what happened to Toby before he was scanned but we encourage anybody who finds a cat who they believe to be lost or stray to take them to a vet or contact an animal rescue charity where they can be checked for a microchip.”

Image © J Allan

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.