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Cats Protection CEO to advise government on animal welfare
James Yeates is the only new appointee to the AWC to specialise in companion animals.

James Yeates is one of four new members of the Animal Welfare Committee

Cats Protection’s chief executive James Yeates is set to be a key advisor to the Government on important animal welfare issues. 


The leading feline charity has confirmed James’ appointment to the government’s Animal Welfare Committee (AWC), which consist of experts in wild animals, farming and pets*. The panel provides detailed research and advice to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales.

James is a former chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA and an RCVS Registered specialist in animal welfare, science, ethics and law. He is also a diplomate of the RCVS and the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine.


Since 2018, James has been chief executive of Cats Protection, leading efforts to expand the charity’s rehoming, neutering and advocacy work. He is the only new appointee to the AWC to specialise in companion animals.

“I’m delighted to be taking up this role with the Animal Welfare Committee as an expert in the welfare of companion animals. The Committee has a strong record in being a force for good, and looks set to have an ever-greater impact and importance in the coming years,” said James.


“This role offers the potential to translate scientific findings, alongside other research and information, into guidance that will help animals and the people who live, work and care for animals. It’s an honour to be working alongside like-minded individuals to help improve the welfare of all animals in the UK.”


*The other members of the panel are:


Dr Pen Rashbass - farm animal welfare
Dr Romain Pizzi - the welfare of wild animals kept by people
Professor Sarah Wolfensohn - the welfare of animals kept by people.

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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. 

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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.