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Battersea announce their new Purr Minister
Billy the cat
Billy won 23 per cent of the vote in this years' election.

Billy is Westminster's top cat

Billy, a cat owned by Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Annette Brooke, has been voted this year's Purr Minister in a competition organised by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Billy won 23 per cent of the vote in this years' election, which runs annually and is open to all MPs and Lords currently holding a position in a UK constituency. Battersea say that his manifesto focusing on ‘love and care’ and edu-CAT-ion for all, struck a clear chord with the public.

Billy joins the ranks of Larry, 'the most famous cat in the land', and last year's Purr Minister Kevin, owned by Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson.  He fought off stiff competition from Archie, nominated by Stephen Hammond MP for Wimbledon, Tibbs, selected by Mark Spencer MP for Sherwood and Ripley, presented by Livingston MP Graeme Morrice.

Billy's proud owner Annette says: “I’m really thrilled that Billy has won, as I’m sure he will be, and he will be getting lots of extra treats! It has been a pleasure to be involved in this opportunity to promote rescue centres such as Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, who do such good work.

"We acquired Billy from a rescue centre in Dorset last July, and were so impressed with them. My family stay in touch, letting them know how Billy is getting on, and I would really encourage anyone looking for a new pet to rehome from a rescue.”

Battersea’s head of cattery, Lindsey Quinlan, adds: “We’re sure Billy will enjoy being the feline face of politics with his new title of Purr Minister. It was a tight race but we’re really pleased to present this coveted Battersea award to him. We know the British public love their cats and this just shows that our politicians do too.”

Image (C) Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.