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Tabby cat runs for US presidency
Twitter profile
Limberbutt McCubbins has officially registered with the Federal Election Commission as a Democratic candidate.

Meow is the time!

A six-year-old tabby cat from Kentucky has joined the running for presidency in the 2016 US elections.

Affectionately named Limberbutt McCubbins, the feline front runner has officially registered with the Federal Election Commission as a Democratic candidate.

Speaking through his owner and spokeswoman, Emilee McCubbins, Mr McCubbin told the Guardian that he is running on a platform largely based around improving conditions for felines.

His policies include the 'legalisation of gay cat marriage' and the 'legalisation of catnip'. He also hopes to add a condition to the Affordable Care Act, subsidising veterinary care for lower-income Americans.

It's certainly not the first time that an animal has run for an election. In 2014, seven-year-old Duke the Dog became the new mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota, and in 1997 a cat named Stubbs was elected mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska.

Not one to pussyfoot around, Limberbutt has already launched a campaign website and a campaign slogan, 'Meow is the time!'  His Facebook page has over 11,000 likes and he has almost 2,000 followers on Twitter.

Since filed as a candidate, Limberbutt's campain has received coverage from major media outlets including The Huffington Post, The Guardian and ABC News.

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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.