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Rising Numbers of Abandoned Kittens
The Blue Cross is warning of a kitten crisis across the UK as it reported a nearly 20% rise in the number being given up or abandoned over the last two years.

456 kittens were given up from January to June 2008 compared to 542 this year.

The charity’s eleven animal adoption centres nationwide are currently inundated with over 200 unwanted kittens, with many more waiting to be taken in when there is space.  But supply is exceeding demand and there simply aren’t enough homes coming forward.

The charity is urging people never to dump animals after reporting an increase in boxes of kittens being abandoned outside centres. Two separate incidents occurred within one week at The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Cambridge last month during particularly hot weather, with the kittens inside left hungry, overheated and traumatised.

Blue Cross vet nurse Tamsin Durston added: “We’re facing a kitten crisis across the country so it’s vital that people neuter their cats now to prevent the problem getting any worse.  It’s far better to pay a small one-off amount for neutering than face the much larger ongoing costs of caring for whole litters of kittens, when homes can’t be found.”

The Blue Cross offers subsidised neutering for the pets of people on low incomes at its animal hospitals and clinics across the UK, funded entirely by public donations. To be eligible, clients must be in receipt of means tested benefits or a state pension.

To find out more about the neutering scheme or make a donation to The Blue Cross, visit the charity’s website by clicking here.

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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.