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Chief Whip hints at fourth Westminster cat
Larry with Barack Obama and David Cameron
More paws on patrol? A fourth mouser could join the ranks of Larry (pictured), Gladstone and Palmerston.

New mouser may be called Cromwell

There are rumours amidst at Westminster that a fourth Battersea mouser may be joining the ranks.

According to The Telegraph, the Chief Whip Gavin Williamson reportedly told Steve Back, a political photographer, that the new cat may be called Cromwell.

"The Chief Whip was going into Number 10 and Larry was on the doorstep. He said 'Oh, there's Larry!' and came to speak to me," said Mr Back.

"He said we are thinking of getting a cat in the Cabinet Office. I asked what they were thinking of calling it and he said 'Cromwell' in a tongue-in-cheek manner - but it seemed he had the name ready."

A Cabinet Office spokesperson told the Telegraph they are "looking into it" at the moment, but nothing is confirmed at this stage.

Just last week, Her Majesty's Treasury adopted a new cat, Gladstone, to help conquer the growing mouse problem at Westminster.

Joining Downing Street's Larry and Foreign Office cat Palmerston, he was the third feline to be adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Image (C) Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.

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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.