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Four-eared rescue cat finds a home
batman
"Just when you think you've seen it all, a four-eared cat comes in the door!"

'Batman' has four ears due to a rare genetic mutation

A four-eared rescue cat named Batman has found internet fame and a new home in Pennsylvania.

The young cat was taken to the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society as his owner could no longer care for him.

Batman's unusual looks are down to a rarely seen genetic mutation, which has been documented as far back as 1938 in Ohio. It is thought to be a recessive gene mutation that is required from both the mother and father in order to produce four ears.

The society's managing director Hala Nuemah commented: "As an open door shelter, we take in and care for any animal brought to us. Just when you think you've seen it all, a four-eared cat comes in the door!"

Despite his unusual looks, three-year-old Batman has been adopted by a loving new owner in Pennsylvania after spending a month at the shelter. Initially he was not ready to be rehomed as he was undergoing treatment for an upper respiratory tract infection.

Caitlin Lasky, the society's marketing communications manager, told ABC News that Batman had been adopted by a young girl and her mother. "It was fitting because the little girl like superheroes," she added. 

 

Image © Western PA Humane Society

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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.