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Call for Early Neutering of Cats
Cats Protection urges the early neutering of cats.

Cats Protection is urging cat owners to have their pets neutered earlier to prevent unwanted litters of kittens, and have set up a register of vets prepared to carry out the procedure early on in a cat's life.

The charity has conducted research which indicates that 94% of cat owners do not realise that cats can fall pregnant at as young as four months.

Cats Protection says it spent £5.6 million in 2010 neutering over 176000 owned, stray and feral cats across the UK. Ian MacFarlane, neutering manager with the charity, said: "We are working with the veterinary profession and the public to encourage cat neutering around four months of age, which is a significant move away from the traditional six months."

He added: "Ensuring cats are neutered earlier will prevent those surprise litters of kittens that most owners are unprepared for - and then have to hand over to animal welfare organisations, perpetuating the unwanted cat problem. Early neutering is proven to be safe and effective and avoids many of the potential complications for neutering later in life."

Cats Protection has established a register of veterinary practices that are prepared to neuter cats early. Practices that would like to be added to the register can sign up here.

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.