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Battersea announce their new Purr Minister
Billy the cat
Billy won 23 per cent of the vote in this years' election.

Billy is Westminster's top cat

Billy, a cat owned by Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Annette Brooke, has been voted this year's Purr Minister in a competition organised by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Billy won 23 per cent of the vote in this years' election, which runs annually and is open to all MPs and Lords currently holding a position in a UK constituency. Battersea say that his manifesto focusing on ‘love and care’ and edu-CAT-ion for all, struck a clear chord with the public.

Billy joins the ranks of Larry, 'the most famous cat in the land', and last year's Purr Minister Kevin, owned by Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson.  He fought off stiff competition from Archie, nominated by Stephen Hammond MP for Wimbledon, Tibbs, selected by Mark Spencer MP for Sherwood and Ripley, presented by Livingston MP Graeme Morrice.

Billy's proud owner Annette says: “I’m really thrilled that Billy has won, as I’m sure he will be, and he will be getting lots of extra treats! It has been a pleasure to be involved in this opportunity to promote rescue centres such as Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, who do such good work.

"We acquired Billy from a rescue centre in Dorset last July, and were so impressed with them. My family stay in touch, letting them know how Billy is getting on, and I would really encourage anyone looking for a new pet to rehome from a rescue.”

Battersea’s head of cattery, Lindsey Quinlan, adds: “We’re sure Billy will enjoy being the feline face of politics with his new title of Purr Minister. It was a tight race but we’re really pleased to present this coveted Battersea award to him. We know the British public love their cats and this just shows that our politicians do too.”

Image (C) Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.