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'Manifesto for Cats' launches
Kittens
The charity hopes that owners will get behind the manifesto to call on key policy-makers to protect cats from abandonment, harm and neglect.

Manifesto aims to put feline welfare on the political agenda

The nation's leading cat charity, Cats Protection, will today (10 Feb) launch the UK's first 'Manifesto for Cats' in parliament. The manifesto aims to put feline welfare on the political agenda ahead of the General Election.

During a reception hosted by Neil Parish MP, chairman of the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, Cats Protection will unveil a 10-point document to MPs and invited guests.

The document, compiled following a three-month public consultation, includes a "wish list" of policies such as controlling the irresponsible breeding and sale of cats, tighter regulations on the licensing of airguns, banning snares and the inclusion of animal welfare in the National Curriculum.

The charity hopes that owners will get behind the manifesto to call on key policy-makers to protect cats from abandonment, harm and neglect.

Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection's advocacy manager, said: “Over the past few years, we have been contacted about a worrying number of issues that our supporters and the general public want us to raise with Government.

"Cats Protection is pleased to be working with Government and to be presenting our first ever Manifesto for Cats. Delivery of the manifesto would improve the lives of thousands of cats and prevent them from harm.

“On a daily basis we hear and witness instances where cats suffer unimaginable pain and suffering – from being the unintended victim of a snare, being peppered with shots from airguns or trying to survive without food or shelter as an unwanted and abandoned stray on the streets.

“As part of a caring society, it is our duty to speak up for cats.  Policies need to change and politicians can make that happen. As we approach the 2015 General Election we are calling on existing and prospective MPs to get behind our Manifesto for Cats to ensure that one of the nation's best loved pets is fully protected by policies and the law.”

Neil Parish MP said: “As a cat owner myself I am delighted to host the launch of the first ever ‘Manifesto for Cats’. There are areas of feline welfare where more work should and can be done to tackle cat abandonment. I look forward to submitting this Manifesto to the Secretary of State”.

In addition to the manifesto, Cats Protection will also be releasing a new video on YouTube in which cat lovers will call on politicians to take action to improve feline welfare.

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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. 

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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.