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Peak in unwanted cats
Battersea reports record number of cats

Staff at Battersea Cats and Dogs Home have reported an upsurge in the number of unwanted cats coming through its doors.

According to the charity, its London centre is currently housing more than 150 cats, the most it has ever had in its care.

The centre has also taken 2,600 calls from cat owners seeking help since the beginning of this year - a 15 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Lindsay Quinlan, head of the centre's cattery, says: "Our cattery currently has the highest number of cats we can ever remember having at one time… On any given month we could receive in the region of 500 calls from cat owners seeking our help.”

According to staff at the charity, the upsurge in unwanted cats is thought to be partly due to the rising number of litters that accompany the summer months, as warmer weather prompts cats to seek a mate.

The charity is appealing for those considering buying a cat to adopt one instead as its centres reach capacity. 

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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.