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Who's the top cat of Westminster?
Image Larry 10 Downing Street cat
Larry, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet.

Battersea on the prowl for the first Purr Minister

MPs and Lords from across the country have been nominating their feline friends, in the hope they will be chosen as the first ever Purr Minister.

The competition has been launched by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, who are on the hunt for a top feline to join the likes of Larry, former Battersea resident who three years ago became chief mouser for No 10 Downing Street.

Fellow felines in search of a little governmental glory have each submitted a "Manifursto" explaining why they should win the public vote to be Purr Minister.

The shortlist has now been revealed, with hopefuls including Parsnip, who promises "the return of free milk", "improved fishing rights for the UK" and "1p levy, donated to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for every cat's eye used on the highway."

MP for Swindon North, Justin Tomlinson, nominated his cat Montague, who states: "I have trained Justin & Jo to provide treats and attention on call. To keep them in check, I’ve formed a coalition with my sister Maggie and Susie the scruffy rescue dog.

"My interests are food, sleeping and miaowing loudly throughout the night which I think Justin & Jo appreciate."

To view the Manifurstos and vote for your favourite, visit Battersea's website. The election closes on February 13, 2014.

Image courtesy of 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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."