Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Pets in running for national survivor award
Milo the Pomeranian was bred by cruel puppy farmers leaving him blind and almost paralysed.
Six finalists battled against the odds to make miraculous recoveries

A puppy farm victim left almost paralysed and a duck that survived a fox attack are among six ‘miracle pets’ in the running for the PDSA’s Pet Survivor of the Year award.

Entries were received from across the UK for the award, which pays recognition pets who have survived against the odds and made miraculous recoveries. The six finalists were selected by a judging panel including television presenter Michaela Strachan, vet and television presenter Judy Puddifoot and Love Island star Lady McDermott.

Michaela Strachan said: “All of these stories of survival against the odds are so heart-warming. Choosing just six finalists was really tough. The pets’ fight for life and their owners love, support and incredible devotion is truly remarkable.”
 
Judy Puddifoot added: “It was an honour to judge such amazing stories, many of whom went through extensive vet treatment following incredibly traumatic experiences. I wish I could’ve given all the pets a prize!”
 
The finalists include a dog who pulled through an aggressive type of spleen cancer, an elderly feline who developed septic peritonitis, and a fox terrier who suffered a ferocious attack by a larger dog. They also include Woody, a five-month-old kitten, who arrived home with a missing tail and deep slash to his abdomen.

PDSA veterinary nurse Nina Downing said: “All of this year’s finalists represent exactly what our Pet Survivor competition is all about. Their incredible stories show what an important place our pets hold within our families. Everyone involved with their care have demonstrated true devotion to help support these pets fight for their life.”

The public can vote for their favourite pet survivor and watch the pet’s inspiring stories at pdsa.org.uk/petsurvivor.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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

Click here for more...
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.