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Cat rescued after becoming trapped under floorboards
Mayhew believe Barry was trapped under the floor for around seven to 10 days.

Couple initially suspected they had mice

A cat has been rescued from underneath a couple’s floorboards, after they noticed small morsels of food disappearing from their kitchen.

Initially, the couple suspected a mouse was to blame, but they began hearing the odd faint mewing, and spotted long white cat hairs in their bedroom. They realised a small feline could, in theory, enter the house through a hidden hole in their laundry room wall.

Animal welfare officer Tania Mazzoni, from the charity Mayhew, went out to the house and located five-year-old stray cat Barry by following the sound of his cries.

 “Thankfully we were able to lift up the floorboards, and all of a sudden this little white head popped up from the darkness,” she said.

Mayhew believe Barry was trapped under the floor for around seven to 10 days. As he had access to only tiny morsels of food, he was significantly underweight and dehydrated when they found him.

Under the charity’s care, Barry quickly regained the weight he had lost and was soon back to his old self. He is now available for adoption.

Harry, the owner of the property where Barry was found, said: “Initially we thought Barry was merely a cheeky cat burglar, and although we never actually saw him, we wouldn’t have dreamed he’d get himself trapped and into trouble.

“Thanks to fate and Tania’s excellent rescuing skills, we got to know Barry better than we expected, and we now have a real fondness for him. Thank you Mayhew - we wish Barry all the best, and really hope he finds a happy home of his own!”

Image © Mayhew

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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.