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Labrador and kitten strike up unlikely friendship
Barney quickly took it upon himself to become chief ‘kitten sitter’ and takes his duties very seriously.

Barney becomes five-week-old kitten’s playmate

An unlikely friendship has been struck up at Battersea’s Dogs and Cats Home, where Barney, a labrador, has found a lifelong friend in Ava, a five-week-old kitten.

Barney’s owner Rachel Ab’dee said that “Barney adores Ava and can't wait to come into Battersea every morning so that he can see her.”

Ava was rushed to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home after being found in a London garden. Cold and just a few days old, things were looking bleak for Ava until she met Barney.

Now five weeks old, Ava is being looked after and hand-fed by vet nurse Megan Goldring. She spends much of her day in the Battersea clinic office, and it was here that she met Barney.

Barney quickly took it upon himself to become chief ‘kitten sitter’ and takes his duties very seriously. He snuggles up with Ava, plays with her and watches her every move. The inseparable pair even watch TV together during break time!

Just like Ava, Barney had a rough start to life. Born on a puppy farm, he ended up with owners who couldn’t cope with a lively puppy. They brought Barney into Battersea in 2014, where Rachel Ab’dee, Battersea’s head nurse, fell in love and adopted him.

“Barney has become her best friend and favourite playmate,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see them so happy together and to know that their most difficult days are behind them.”

Image (C) Battersea Dogs and 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.