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Fox cub 'lodger' found under sofa
Red fox cub
The fox cub will remain in the care of Fenland Animal Rescue until he is old enough to be released back into the wild.

Homeowner alerted by suspicious cat

A homeowner from Norfolk received a shock last week when she discovered a young fox cub hiding under her sofa.

It is thought the cub had been in the house for several days when the owner noticed a ‘smell’ and had seen her cat acting suspiciously.

The fox cub will remain in the care of Fenland Animal Rescue until he is old enough to be released back into the wild.

“It wasn't until she looked under the furniture and noticed two little eyes staring back at her, that she realised she had a lodger!” said a spokesperson for Fenland Animal Rescue.

“Our team attended and were able to recover the little one safely, however, it soon became apparent that he had been in the house for several days and had been without food or fluids throughout!”

The team quickly set out to find the fox cub’s mother so that they could be reunited. But despite their best efforts, they found no trace of her and had to admit the fox cub into their care.

On arrival at the Centre, the veterinary team assessed the cub for injuries. Despite being seriously dehydrated, the little fox had bags of energy, giving them hope that all was not lost.

Several weeks later, following a course of fluid therapy, parasite medication and a strictly controlled diet, the fox is now free from all infections. He has now been moved to an outdoor pen to get a feel for the wild and can use the space to play and explore.

Rescuers say they will feed the cub a ‘natural diet’ to ensure he develops the skills needed in life and, once old enough, will continue his journey in the wild.

Image (C) Fenland Animal Rescue

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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.