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Black cats looking for a bit of luck!
Image: Black cat
Some people believe that black cats, like Bertie, are associated with bad luck

Charity seeks homes for cats overlooked because of their coat colour

The Scottish SPCA is seeking new homes for the black cats currently at their centre in Dundee, where staff in the Petterden Centre think the felines may have been left on the shelf because some people believe that black cats are associated with bad luck.

Assistant manager, Dale Christie, said: “Unfortunately our black cats can wait longer for new homes compared to the other felines in our care. We believe that some people think black cats are unlucky, which is a real shame as they are gorgeous cats that will make lovely companions.


“Some of our current black cat residents – Bertie, Claude, Lenny and Buddy – have been with us for nearly two months with no interest. Bertie came into our care through no fault of his own and is finding life a little scary at the moment. We feel he’d be best suited to a home with a patient and understanding owner.

“Buddy came into the centre through unfortunate circumstances. He too is nervous and deserves a gentle and caring owner who can take the time to bring him out of his shell.”

If anyone is interested in offering one the black cats a new home, please call 03000 999 999 or visit the Petterden Centre any day (except Tuesday) 10am-4pm, where they will receive a very warm welcome.

Image (C) Scottish SPCA

 

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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.