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Labrador blessed by Pope Francis
Image: Asià - Rossella Lorenzi
Dog among the first to be blessed by new pope

Pope Francis departed from tradition on Saturday when he blessed a yellow Labrador Retriever named Asià.

Radio journalist Alessandro Forlani, and his guide dog Asià, waited to enter the Vatican's Paul VI audience hall on Saturday, as journalists from all over the world gathered to report on the election of Pope Francis.

"As I waited in line to enter the hall, the security guards told me that most likely I wouldn't be allowed to get in with the dog," said Forlani, who works for Italian RAI radio.

However, after a few minutes, Forlani and Asià were given the green light by Vatican officials, and escorted to the audience hall by a Swiss guard.

Following the pope's speech to those gathered in the hall, Vatican officials informed Forlani that Pope Francis had asked to meet him and Asià.

Asià reportedly sat quietly onstage as her owner spoke to the pope. After blessing Forlani's wife and daughter, Pope Francis bent down to caress the dog, saying: "and a special blessing for your dog too."

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.