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Library cat escapes eviction
Browser
Browser was introduced to White Settlement Library in 2010 to help control rodents.

Thousands flock to social media to show their support

A controversial feline that resides in a Texas library has managed to escape eviction thanks to thousands of messages from supporters across the world.

Browser was introduced to White Settlement Library, Texas, in 2010 to help control rodents, and quickly became a pillar of his local community.

According to the library's website, some of his favourite activities include napping in the staff’s chairs, lounging across computer keyboards and attending educational classes twice a week.

But on June 14, Elzie Clements from
White Settlement Town Council passed a motion that gave Browser 30 days to relocate. He, along with fellow council member Paul Clements, cited allergies and a pending renovation of the library as reasons for Browser’s removal.

After the meeting, which was published on the Council's website, thousands flocked to social media pleading for Browser to stay.
Some 12,000 people signed a change.org petition. A further 700 people signed the library’s petition, and a Facebook page received over 2,000 likes.

According to The Guardian, the towns’ mayor, Ron White, received over 1,000 messages in support of the cat, from ‘everywhere in the United States as well as Germany, Australia, Malaysia, Guam, and England.'

Last Friday (1 July) a special session of the town council, broadcast live on Periscope, voted unanimously to reinstate the cat - a decision that was met with huge cheers from the audience.

As a result, Elzie Clements reluctantly put forward the motion to reinstate Browser so that the council could move onto other matters.

“I would like to apologise to those that are unable to use our public library facilities because of this cat,” he said.

Image (C) White Settlement Public Library

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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.