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23-year-old rescue dog celebrates ‘gotcha’ anniversary
Ty loves snuggling on the sofa and listening to Classic FM.

It is one year since Dogs Trust’s oldest dog was adopted.

A 23-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross has celebrated his one-year ‘Gotcha Day’ anniversary with his owners at a Dogs Trust rescue centre.

Ty returned to the centre in Bridgend with his owners, Bruno di Brito and Lee Szopa, on Wednesday 30 August where a party was held by the staff in his honour.

He became famous after his appeal for a retirement home made national news, where Ty's carers discussed his love of snuggling on the sofa and listening to Classic FM.

Ty is believed to be the oldest dog ever cared for by Dogs Trust, and the charity say he highlights the impact that senior rescue dogs can have on people’s lives.

Angela Wetherall, the rehoming centre manager for Wales, “Ty's journey is a testament to the resilience and boundless love that older dogs bring with them.

“We are honoured to have played a part in finding him his forever home and witnessing the joy he brings to Bruno and Lee.”

Bruno di Brito, Ty’s owner, said:  “When Ty came into our lives, we felt complete. We already had two dogs and hadn't considered getting another, but when we saw Ty, we knew we had to give him a home.”

“Ty has changed our perception of senior dogs; despite having a heart problem, he shows incredible resilience. The way Ty looks at us feels like he's saying thank you for everything.”

Image © Dogs Trust

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.