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The undateables of Battersea
Battersea's undateables
Battersea's undateables

Quirky cats and dogs looking for love this Valentine's Day

As Valentine's Day, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has pinpointed its most undateable residents, in the hope that animal lovers will see past their quirks and give them a living home.

While the charity rehouse about 9,000 dogs and cats each year, some find it a little harder to find love and need some extra help.

The list of undateables includes six quirky pets whose minor flaws include "feisty", "smelly" and "pampered".

Feisty lady Dorito is a fiery and mischievous feline who likes her independence. After being abandoned in a box, one-year-old Dorito had to fend for herself, but Battersea says once she is won over you will have a lap cat for life.

Eight-year-old dalmatian Domino is looking for somebody who can accept him "spots and all". Despite being a sweet older gentleman, he is nervous of new people, earning him the reputation of a scaredy-cat.

Meenoi the Bengal cat is tired of being single but has a bit of a wee issue, while Bloom the domestic short hair cat has the occasional mood swing but is full of character.

Pampered pooch Mister Tony is also looking for a leader of his pack. The nine-month-old Siberian husky is a confidant companion in need of someone to give him the training and regular grooming he needs.

Members of the public are invited to visit some of Battersea's residents this Valentine's Day at the charity's Feline Lonely Event, which takes place at the cattery from 5.30 to 9pm.

For more information about rehoming, visit www.battersea.org.uk/cats or www.battersea.org.uk/felinelonely for further details about the event.

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.