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Reformed 'ASBO cat' seeks loving home
PC Polly
PC Polly is looking for a fresh start. 
Former kitty criminal can't wait to start a new life on the outside

Cats Protection's adoption centre in Belfast is in search of new home for a cat with a history of feline felony.

Affectionately named 'PC Polly' by staff at the centre, the attractive dark tortoiseshell was brought into Cats Protection for rehabilitation after being "arrested" by local police in Armagh for disorderly conduct in March 2013.

PC Polly first made herself known by chasing a member of the public up and down the road, meowing incessantly and generally making a quite a scene. When they tried to shoo her away, PC Polly lashed out and scratched them - probably because she wanted them to know how hungry she was.

Knowing that they were in desperate need of help, the member of the public approached a local policewoman who was luckily a cat lover.  The policewoman took PC Polly to a veterinary clinic, who in turn contacted Cats Protection.

PC Polly was taken in by Gillian who volunteers for Cats Protection's Armagh branch. Despite her offence, the naughty tortie quickly took to Gillian and in turn, Gillian developed a real fondness to her.

Gillian said: “She was feisty when she first came in, but we let her come to us for affection on her terms, and we soon grew to love her strong character. She became much calmer and more loving after some TLC in the form of warmth and food.”

PC Polly was then transferred to the Cats Protection's Belfast adoption centre, where staff are now hoping that she will find her forever home.

“She is a stunning looking girl and she takes medication easily for a heart problem she has,” said adoption centre manager Bel Livingstone. “She is young – only about 2 years old and we think she will make a great pet for the right people. However, her “shady” past means she wouldn’t suit a young family. No one can be sure what triggered her aggressive behaviour – perhaps it was as simple as someone stepping on her tail!”
 
PC Polly has been in custody for 300 days now and her rehabilitation for a life on the outside is complete.
 
Bel added: “We are hoping that a special person or people will come forward and give PC Polly the second chance she deserves. We think even a cat with an ASBO deserves a fresh start!”
 

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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."