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Plea for cat fosterers as domestic abuse referrals rise
“We know just how important it is for survivors to ensure that their cats will also be safe when they access refuge or emergency housing" - Amy Hyde, Paws Protect.

Cats Protection reports a stark increase in referrals across the southeast.

Leading feline charity Cats Protection has reported a 58 per cent rise in pets being referred so their owners can flee domestic abuse.

The concerning figure comes just days after Dogs Trust also revealed a sharp increase in dogs being referred to its specialist abuse service.

Working in partnership across the southeast, Cats Protection’s Paws Protect and Dogs Trust’s Freedom Project have collectively fostered 1,930 pets since 2004.

However, both charities say they require more foster carers to help domestic abuse victims and their pets.

Amy Hyde, Paws Protect manager said: “We know just how important it is for survivors to ensure that their cats will also be safe when they access refuge or emergency housing. The bond that we have with our cats is so important and sadly this can be exploited by perpetrators, with many pets physically harmed or threatened with abuse as a tool to coerce and control.

“If you might be able to offer a foster home to a cat escaping domestic abuse, please get in touch. Your support could mean that you’re not only helping a cat, but you’re also supporting a family to find safety too”.

Cats Protection's findings mark the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence - an international campaign calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Amy continued: "We are proud to support this 16 days of action against gender-based violence. Already, Paws Protect has supported over 1,000 cats and their families in escaping domestic abuse. Those aren’t just numbers. They are families who were able to find safety and were able to rebuild their lives with their animals.”

For more information on the service and to become a fosterer, visit cats.org.uk/paws-protect, email pawsprotect@cats.org.uk or call 0345 260 1280.

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.