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Battersea fosterer celebrates 140 cat milestone
Tina Moore has been fostering Battersea's cats since 2015.
The animal charity is marking its 140th anniversary.

Tina Moore, a Battersea volunteer and cat fosterer, has reached the milestone of fostering over 140 cats for the charity.

The achievement comes as the animal welfare charity also celebrates its 140th anniversary.

Ms Moore began fostering Battersea’s cats in 2015, after her own pet cat passed away. In the eight years since then she has cared for cats of every age group, including senior cats and kittens.

Among her charges have been new mothers, who needed a place to care for their kittens.

This has included one-year-old domestic short-hair Ariel, who was heavily pregnant when she was brought off the streets to Battersea’s Old Windsor rescue centre. After giving birth, Ariel needed a peaceful home to care for her young kittens.

Ms Moore provided a safe home for Ariel and her litter, where the kittens quickly displayed their unique personality. This included Dave, who soon revealed himself to be the most energetic and playful kitten of the litter.

Ms Moore’s fostering meant that all of the cats, including Ariel herself, were soon adopted into permanent homes.

Tina Moore said: “Being there for cats like Ariel is really what it’s all about, especially helping young kittens like Dave get used to new people so they can explore the world around them. You do end up having your favourites such as a recent litter of kittens I looked after called Rock, Paper and Scissors whose playful antics made me fall in love with the three little bundles of fur!”. 

“I’ve fostered so many cats over these past eight years, and it’s so special knowing I’ve played an important part in helping them find the love that they deserve, especially as Battersea is now celebrating its 140th anniversary of being there for cats.”

Rosy Price, interim head of volunteering, fostering and communities, said: "We’re always on the lookout for caring animal lovers who may not be able to commit to permanently rehoming one of our rescue animals, but can provide a temporary home for one of our cats or dogs so we can help identify the quirky personality traits that help match them with a forever family.

“If you think you could help by fostering your first rescue animal with us, we’d love to hear from you.”

Battersea foster carers must live near one of the charity’s centres in London, Windsor or Brands Hatch and have access to a car. They will receive support and training from Battersea, as well as pet care supplies.

For more information, visit their website.

Image © Battersea

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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

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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.