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Feline duo claw their way to the top
Pixie and Smudge
Pixie and Smudge, who belong to Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, secured 41 per cent of the vote

Pixie and Smudge are joint Purr Ministers
 
A coalition of cats has taken the top spot in Westminster for the first time, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has revealed. Feline duo Pixie and Smudge have been chosen as co-Purr Ministers in the charity's annual competition.

For the third year running, cat-owning MPs across the country nominated their political pets for the top job, launching their own 'manifurstos' explaining why their cat deserves to rule the nation.

Pixie and Smudge, who belong to Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, secured 41 per cent of the vote - winning over the public with their leadership promises.

Their winning manifursto read: 'Super-friendly Pixie shows leadership potential in stealing Smudge’s breakfast every morning, but Smudge shows he has the initiative to succeed by choosing the spot underneath the garden bird feeder as his favourite resting place.'

Proud owner Mr Reed said he was "absolutely thrilled" that the pair had taken the crown as Westminster's first co-Purr Ministers. "In a day of much political division, they have shown that collaboration and working together wins through," he added.

"These siblings were both rescue cats, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to take part in Purr Minister 2016, and promote the essential work that Battersea Dogs & Cats Home do in saving and rehoming so many animals every day."

The new Purr Ministers will now get a taste of political stardom, joining the likes of Number 10 cat Larry and last year's Purr Minister Billy.

Battersea's head of catteries Lindsay Quinlan congratulated the pair: "We are so pleased to present this esteemed Battersea award to them and are sure this duo will enjoy being the new feline face of politics.

"We know they will do a sterling job to represent rescue cats across the land, and we wish them well in all their political pussycat endeavours!"

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & 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.