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New campaign calls for action on cat breeding
kitten
"The commercial market today chiefly operates through home-based breeders placing advertisements on classified websites that sell everything from fridges to felines."
Existing laws 'no longer fit for purpose', charity says

A new campaign is calling for legislation to ban the sale of kittens under the age of eight weeks and prevent unscrupulous breeding practices.

Cats Protection, which launched the 'True cost of kittens' campaign, says the current law dates back to 1951 and is no longer fit for purpose.

"The way pets are sold has completely changed since the 1950s, and far fewer cats are sold in pet shops," said the charity's advocacy manager, Jacqui Cuff. "The commercial market today chiefly operates through home-based breeders placing advertisements on classified websites that sell everything from fridges to felines."

As a result, kittens are being bred in poor welfare conditions and sold with serious health problems, leaving owners with substantial vets bills. Often leaving their mothers too young, kittens are sold for anything from £50 to hundreds of pounds. There is also a growing market for unusual looking kittens often described as crossbreeds, such as ragdoll or Persian crosses.

Cats Protection wants to see a ban on the sale of kittens under eight weeks of age, regulation of repeat breeding of family cats and a definition of commercial sales. It is also urging the government to close legal loopholes that allow breeding for sale to take place without scrutiny, usually from domestic premises.

Defra is currently reviewing animal establishment licences - a move that Cats Protection has welcomed. Jacqui Cuff said updating the pet vending laws would be "a huge step towards safeguarding feline welfare".

Members of the public are being asked to urge their local MP to seek assurance from Defra that new legislation will address cat welfare issues.

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.