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Treasury's chief mouser enlisted as a tour guide
Gladstone
Sporting his trademark red polka dot bow tie, Gladstone was fitted with a camera to give the public a unique view of the Treasury.

Gladstone gives a 'cat's eye view' of the department
 
Treasury cat Gladstone has taken on the job of 'tour guide' this week, in addition to his usual mousing duties.

Sporting his trademark red polka dot bow tie, Gladstone was fitted with a camera to give the public a unique view of the Westminster building, ahead of this weekend's Open House London event (15-16 September).

The parliamentary feline can be seen strutting down the department's corridors and peeking into offices, while having doors held open for him.

Gladstone arrived at the Treasury in July from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. A former stray, he was named after the former Prime Minister and chancellor William Ewart Gladstone.

An unknown Treasury source recently revealed that Gladstone has devoured six mice during his time in office. His neighbour Larry, chief mouser for Number 10 Downing Street, has a less impressive mousing record and reportedly took six months to make his first kill.

Scuffles between Larry and the Foreign Office cat Palmerston have been rife in recent months. Parliamentarians hope that Gladstone will play peacemaker.

Image © HM Treasury

 

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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.