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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.