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Battersea issues plea as 'kitten season' ramps up
"We would urge anyone in need of help or guidance to contact us" - JoAnna Puzzo, Battersea.
Owners and finders of unwanted kittens urged to contact rescue centres.

Finders and owners of unwanted kittens and pregnant cats during 'kitten season' are being urged to take them to rescue centres where they can be properly cared for.

JoAnna Puzzo from Battersea said the charity often sees pregnant cats and litters in the summer months, and wants people to know that the charity can take care of those kittens if they have nowhere else to go.

“We would urge anyone in need of help or guidance to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help in any way we can,” she said. “There’s never any judgement – if you can’t care for them, bringing them to a rescue like Battersea is the most responsible decision.”

Kitten season lasts from April through to late autumn, during which animal charities tend to receive an influx of pregnant cats and kittens. Among Battersea's most recent arrivals include Locky, who was abandoned by his mum at a few days old, and Etna, who decided to break into a stranger's home to give birth.

The charity urges anyone who might spot a litter of kittens outside to monitor them and see if the mother returns. Similarly, finders of abandoned kittens are encouraged to check around the area to ensure the mother cat is a stray.

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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.