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Cat welfare declaration reaches 21,000 signatures
MEP Alex Mayer (centre) showing her support for the Declaration and for improving feline welfare through changes to EU policy.

Document calls for collaborative approach to improve feline wellbeing

A best-practice document which calls for a cooperative and coordinated approach to cat welfare has received a huge amount of support from vets, charities and government officials across the world.

The ‘International Declaration of Responsibilities to Cats’ was launched by International Cat Care in January to mark the organisation’s 60th anniversary. The document provides a framework for all those responsible for cat welfare and facilitates a cohesive approach between them.

Since its launch, the Declaration has gathered more than 21,000 signatures from people in 108 countries. They include the Portuguese animal welfare organisation, Animais de Rya, British MEP Alex Mayer and the EU Dog & Cat Alliance.

“This shows how many people care about cats, want their welfare to be improved and believe in a collaborative approach to achieve this,” said an International Cat Care spokesperson.

To enable individuals and organisations across the world to utilise the Declaration, it has now been translated into five languages - French, Hebrew, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish - with many more to follow.

In March, representatives from International Cat Care went to meet MEP Alex Mayer at the European Parliament and to talk about ways to protect cats - both stray and owned - within EU policy. The charity described the meeting as ‘a successful start’ and continues to move forward, bringing together all entities responsible for cat health and wellbeing.

To read and add your support to the Declaration, visit icatcare.org/declaration

Image (C) ICatCare

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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.  

Click here for more...
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.