Tag: animal welfare

Dame Joanna Lumley and Animal Rising launch animation calling for closure of MBR Acres

DEFRA ANNOUNCES ANIMAL WELFARE REFORMS

  • Inn collaboration with Animal Rising, Dame Joanna Lumley has launched an animation showing conditions inside MBR Acres and the rescue of 18 beagle puppies in 2022.
  • MBR Acres breeds beagles for use in animal testing, primarily toxicology.
  • Earlier this week, five individuals were convicted of burglary in relation to the 2022 rescue. 13 more are due to face charges in the same case across three separate trials in early 2026. Another three are due to stand trial for a seperate rescue from MBR Acres in June 2022.
  • A petition launched by Animal Rising, calling for the closure of MBR Acres and the safe rehoming of the beagle puppies inside, has gained over 41,000 signatures.
  • The animation has been released on the third anniversary of the rescue of 18 beagle puppies in 2022.

In a pre-Christmas plea for goodwill, Dame Joanna Lumley and Animal Rising have joined forces to call on the Home Office and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood MP to urgently close down the beagle breeding facility known as MBR Acres and rehome all the dogs still there.

Rose Patterson, 36, Animal Rising Co-Director, from Harrogate and living in Hackney, said: “It is an honour to have a national treasure like Dame Joanna Lumley backing us, and thousands of others, in calling for the closure of MBR Acres and safe rehoming of the beautiful beagle puppies inside.

“It is utterly tragic that we use an animal that we also call ‘man’s best friend’ in horrific, painful, and needless experiments.

“It’s not the Victorian Era anymore; we don’t need to rely on using dogs in experimentation for reliable results. We have so many more options available to us that provide greater reliability, using better science.

“Shabana Mahmood needs to step up and make good on Labour’s manifesto promise to end animal testing as swiftly as possible.”

The animation details some of the procedures beagles undergo at MBR Acres, including “terminal blood sampling” that the facility is licensed to carry out.

This license allows MBR Acres to drain healthy dogs of blood and harvest their organs for other use. It moves on to depict the rescues, on two separate occasions, of dogs from the facility (with five puppies rescued in June 2022 and 18 more in December 2022).

Journal articles over recent years, including multiple in the British Medical Journal, have raised serious questions about the claims made by proponents of animal testing. Critics of animal testing point to drugs that passed testing in animals and later led to, sometimes, thousands of human death.

Nathan McGovern, 26, a defendant convicted in this week’s trial, said: “Not only is using innocent beagle puppies for animal testing cruel and painful, but it’s also just bad science.

“Non-animal methods are surging ahead in both reliability and cost. It’s plain that the future is here now, and we need to move with the times with the immediate shutdown of MBR Acres.

MBR has an absolutely atrocious track record when it comes to animal welfare, with both Italian and US facilities shutting down in recent years. In Italy, three senior employees even got prison sentences.”

Animal Rising is calling on concerned members of the public to sign their petition to shut down MBR Acres and rehome all the puppies there.

Sign the petition to save the beagles and shut down MBR Acres:

https://buff.ly/nNQnsXD

Defra announces biggest animal welfare reforms in a generation

UK Government launches new plans to protect and improve the lives of our pets, farmed and wild animals

The UK government will launch its Animal Welfare Strategy today – Monday 22 December, setting out new plans to protect treasured pets and much-loved wildlife across the country.   

These generational reforms will end the cruel practice of puppy farming, where breeding dogs are kept in appalling conditions, often overbred, and denied proper care. These inhumane practices often result in puppies suffering from long-term health issues. 

The Strategy further enhances protections for dogs and wildlife, building on new laws that put an end to puppy smuggling. 

Farm animals in England and Wales will be better protected from dog attacks thanks to new livestock worrying laws. Tougher penalties and greater police powers will help relieve the emotional and financial strain these attacks place on farming communities. 

Legislation, regulations and current practices need to be reformed as they have not kept pace with the latest evidence, and there have been instances of individuals taking advantage of loopholes.   

The Animal Welfare Strategy, launched today by the Environment Secretary, will help fix this and deliver the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation – in line with our manifesto promise. 

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:  “We’re a nation of animal lovers. This government is delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation. 

“Visiting Battersea Dogs and Cats Home reminded me that millions of families welcome pets into their homes every year. Our strategy will raise welfare standards for animals in the home, on the farm and in the wild. 

“We’ve already acted to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling and protect livestock from dog attacks. Now, we’re planning to ban caged hens, cruel snares, trail hunting, and curb low welfare dog breeding.” 

The Animal Welfare Strategy sets out how the government will deliver:  

Improved welfare for companion animals by:  

  • Reforming dog breeding practices to improve health and welfare, preventing animals from becoming unwell and ending puppy farming 
  • Consulting on a ban on the use of electric shock collars due to the possible harm to our pets  
  • Considering the introduction of new licences for domestic rescue and rehoming organisations to ensure rescues have the right checks in place  
  • Promoting responsible dog ownership to protect public safety  

Improved welfare for farmed animals by:  

  • Moving away from confinement systems such as colony cages for laying hens and the use of pig farrowing crates 
  • Addressing the welfare issues that arise from the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs because of animal welfare concerns  
  • Introducing humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish to spare them avoidable pain  
  • Promoting the use of slow growing meat chicken breeds  

Protection for wild animals by:  

  • Banning trail hunting amidst concerns it is being used as a smokescreen for hunting  
  • Banning snare traps because they cause suffering to animals and can catch pets  
  • Introducing a close season for hares which should reduce the number of adult hares being shot in the breeding season, meaning that fewer young hares are left motherless and vulnerable to starvation and predation 

The Animal Welfare Strategy builds on this government’s proven track record in delivering reforms for animals. This includes introducing new, world-leading standards for zoos earlier this year and supporting passage of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act.   

The government will work with interested parties to deliver the strategy by the end of 2030.    

The Animal Welfare Strategy will be published today – Monday 22 December.

Thomas Schultz-Jagow, Director of Advocacy and Prevention at RSPCA, said: “The government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy is a significant step forward which has the potential to improve the lives of millions of animals.

“People in the UK love animals and they want to see governments leading the way to outlaw cruel practices which cause suffering such as a phase out of cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs. 

“As we need a radical rethink about the way we see and treat animals in this country, this strategy leads the way by showing a strong commitment to animal welfare. We look forward to continuing to work with the government to give all animals the protection they deserve.” 

Sonul Badiani-Hamment, FOUR PAWS UK Country Director, said: “FOUR PAWS UK welcomes the publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy today and the commitments outlined which have the potential to transform the lives of millions of animals.

“Improving animal welfare is not only a moral and ethical imperative, but also essential to building a healthy and prosperous nation. By taking action to end the use of confinement systems in farming, banning trail hunting and tackling the scourge of puppy farming, the government can significantly reduce animal suffering in the UK.

“The priority now must be swift action to deliver on these commitments for animals, and FOUR PAWS UK stands ready to support the Government in doing so.” 

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: “We welcome the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy, particularly its commitment to delivering the measures set out in the recently passed Animal Welfare Bill, which will prevent the import of underage puppies, heavily pregnant dogs and dogs with mutilations.

“We are also pleased that the Government plans to consult on the regulation of rehoming centres. We have seen too many cases of neglect and fatalities involving dogs at the hands of unregulated individuals, and the public strongly supports mandatory licensing and regular inspections.

“We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the Strategy is implemented swiftly and effectively, so that all dogs are properly protected.” 

Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns and public affairs at Humane World for Animals, said: “There are hundreds of millions of animals in the UK whose health and wellbeing depends on humans and we welcome this Strategy’s commitment to tackle some of the most indefensible and avoidable forms of suffering.

“The Government’s commitment towards phasing out farrowing crates for mother pigs is in tune with both welfare science and public opinion. Supporting farmers to give animals more of the freedom they need and deserve is a hugely commendable and popular goal.” 

Anthony Field, Head of Compassion in World Farming UK, said: “Compassion in World Farming welcomes the UK Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy as a landmark step forward in protecting farmed animals across Britain.

“By committing to phase out cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs, over 7 million hens and 150,000 pigs will benefit annually. 

“We are also delighted that the Government’s commitment to improve the welfare of tens of millions of pigs and fish at slaughter. The Government is raising the bar for farmed animal welfare.  

“Compassion very much welcomes the Government’s leadership on this and looks forward to working with them to turn these commitments into the much-needed policy changes as soon as possible.” 

Michael Webb, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Battersea, said:  “Battersea welcomes the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy. The reforms laid out in the Strategy will address some of the key issues that we as a charity have been campaigning for over many years, including regulating the rescue sector, tackling bad breeding practices and putting an end to puppy smuggling.   

“There is clearly still a lot of detail to work out, and the Strategy does not claim to tackle every problem animals face. However, Battersea is hopeful that it will be the catalyst for real, lasting change and ultimately make a brighter future for future for animals across the country. 

“We look forward to working alongside the Government to ensure these promises are implemented effectively and ultimately safeguard the welfare of dogs and cats.”  

Charlotte Di Cello, Chief Commercial Officer at Waitrose, comments: ““The Animal Welfare Strategy is an important step towards better lives for farmed animals.  Shoppers want higher welfare standards and it is really good to know that some of the more inhumane methods of farming, such as fast-growing chickens, will be consigned to history in the UK. 

“Waitrose has led the industry on higher welfare in partnership with British farmers: we stopped selling eggs from caged hens nearly 25 years ago; this year delivered the Better Chicken Commitment for all own-label chicken and all own-label pork will be free range by 2027.

“Our new welfare rating label has been welcomed and we are hopeful the strategy will be a springboard to a mandatory scheme in the future to boost transparency and more conscious choice for shoppers.”

Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “The bans already in place in Wales and Scotland marked a pivotal step in acknowledging the unnecessary suffering caused by these indiscriminate and cruel devices, so the government’s announcement that it will implement a ban on the use of snares in England is very welcome indeed.

“Snares pose a constant danger in the countryside, and not just for the animals these traps are laid to catch. The League has compiled case studies over many years where animals such as badgers, hares, and even pet dogs and cats have been caught and killed by snares, often discovered by members of the public left horrified by what they have seen.

“These traps are blunt instruments of cruelty, often used for no other reason than to protect millions of game birds which are later shot just for fun, and have no place in a country committed to taking a progressive approach to animal welfare.

“We commend the government for taking robust steps to ensure we will become such a country by outlawing snares.”

Massive win for animal welfare as new new vet-backed law set to clamp down on puppy smuggling  

After a long and sustained campaign by British Veterinary Association, the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill has received Royal Assent to become law. 

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has hailed the passage of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill into law today as a huge win for animal welfare, as well as public health.  

Introduced as a Private Members’ Bill earlier this year by vet and MP Danny Chambers with support from BVA, this legislation will introduce crucial measures to clamp down on puppy smuggling and ban the import of dogs and cats with illegal mutilations like cropped ears or declawing. 

It will also better protect public health by reducing the risk of diseases such as rabies and Brucella canis from being imported into the country, by increasing the minimum age that puppies can enter the UK and preventing heavily pregnant dogs from being brought in.    

Data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that 1 in 5 UK small animal vets had seen puppies they believe to have been imported illegally into the country in the last year. French bulldog puppies were by far the most common breed vets reported concerns about, with just under half (48%) of vets who had seen suspicious puppies referring to this breed.  

Responding to news, British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said:  “Every day, vets in practice see the devastating consequences of puppy smuggling and the loopholes that allow illegal and brutal mutilations like ear cropping and tail docking to continue. 

“After years of tireless campaigning by the British Veterinary Association, the wide-ranging measures in this new legislation will finally stop criminal gangs from abusing pet travel rules for profit as well as tackle rising cases of imported diseases, such as Brucella canis, which are not currently endemic to the UK and which can be passed from pets to people.”  

Danny Chambers, vet and MP for Winchester who introduced the Bill, said:  “As a vet, I’ve treated many dogs with cruelly cropped ears or docked tails, leaving them physically scarred and emotionally traumatised.

Knowing this Bill will help us put a stop to this abuse and have a bigger impact on animal welfare than I could possibly have achieved in a lifetime treating individual animals, demonstrates how important this legislation will prove to be.

“Thanks to the support of organisations like the BVA and other animal welfare nonprofits, we got the Animal Welfare Bill through the Commons, through the Lords, and today passed into law.” 

Read more about BVA’s campaign here: 

https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/pet-imports/  

Cats Protection urges action as winter cold snap bites

As winter temperatures plummet across the UK, Cats Protection is urging people to keep a caring eye on stray and abandoned cats. 

Cold snaps can worsen conditions such as arthritis for all cats and wintry chills pose a particular danger to outdoor cats without access to shelter or food. For them, the deadly risk of hypothermia or painful frostbite is real. 

Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection Central Behaviour Officer, said: “In the past 12 months, our teams have taken in more than 26,000 cats who have been left behind by life, including over 3,000 kittens from unwanted litters. 

“Through no fault of their own, these cats have been given up or abandoned. They don’t know why they’ve been discarded, can’t tell us how they feel. They know only cold, fear and hunger. But we’re there to listen until the tough times pass.” 

This winter, Cats Protection has launched a fundraising and awareness campaign (cats.org.uk/alfie) to reach even more stray and abandoned cats in need of urgent help. 

As well as raising cash to provide food, shelter and care for neglected cats, Cats Protection has some tips to ensure cats stay safe and warm this winter: 

  • Provide warm, draught-free resting spots. Self-heating pads are ideal for older cats.
  • Tap your car bonnet and check underneath before starting up – cats love to hide there.
  • Check sheds and garages to ensure that cats seeking shelter don’t become trapped.
  • Wipe your cat’s paws and coat when they come in. Grit, salt or antifreeze can be toxic if licked.
  • Provide fresh water, checking it cannot freeze over. An indoor litter tray means your cat doesn’t have to venture out.
  • Consider keeping your cat in at night when temperatures drop – and lock cat flaps to prevent them sneaking out.  

Cats are good at finding warm places to rest but for outdoor cats struggling to find shelter, the charity has tips to create a safe and dry winter bolthole that might save a life this winter. 

For guidance on how to keep cats warm indoors and outside, visit: 

cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment 

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home aims to raise £200,000 to help them as costs continue to soar

Help Every Dog Follow The Yellow Brick Road to a Loving Home

  • Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home launches heartwarming Winter Appeal and issues an urgent call for support
  • The charity receives 40 calls per day with pet owners seeking support
  • Nearly half of the animals accepted by the Home between January and October this year were strays

Animals at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home don’t need a wizard to change their life – just love, care and much needed donations to the charity’s Winter Appeal.

‘Nowhere Like Home’ is the heartwarming new campaign from the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, inspired by the timeless story of finding your way back to where you belong. To bring the campaign to life, the charity has lovingly recreated a “homely” yellow brick road adaptation using household items that metaphorically leads surrendered dogs and cats to their forever home.

This year, the charity has faced a high number of animal admissions, with over 300 new arrivals between January and October 2025, coinciding with all-time high operational costs. This year the charity aims to raise £200,000, making this their biggest appeal ever, to help them continue to provide vital care for animals in need.

The Winter Appeal is critical, as it helps the charity sustain its operations and provide essential services. In the first 10 months of 2025 the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home rehomed or reunited 193 pets. They accepted 301 pets, 141 of these were strays, but they received 700 surrender requests which, unfortunately, demonstrates the urgent need for their services.

Between January and October this year, the Home provided 539,149 pet meals (the equivalent of the population of Edinburgh) to dogs and cats in East and Central Scotland to protect their loving homes. This is just 50% of the demand that they received.

The Home is appealing to members of the public, businesses and groups to get involved and show love and warmth to the animals who rely on its vital support by donating funds to their Winter Appeal. 

Communities can also get involved – for example, by hosting a pet food drive, or organising a fundraising Christmas jumper day or even daring to face the cold dip challenge – all helping to raise vital funds and significantly helping pet owners from having to surrender their beloved pets.

Jamie Simpson, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “Every animal deserves to know the comfort and safety of a warm home.  Your support with our Winter Appeal can help to change their story and make that happen for the dogs and cats in our care.

“The need for our services continues to escalate, and it’s through the kindness of our supporters that we’ve been able to assist both pet owners and their beloved animals.  But demand is high, and we need to be able to help more dogs and cats.

“Every donation counts,” he continued. “£50 can help pay for lifesaving medicine and expert medical care for a neglected dog or cat. A donation of £100 could help pay for warmth, shelter and the care they need, and £20 could help pay for their chance to find their loving home.”

To support the Winter Appeal, please visit https://edch.org.uk/winterappeal call 0131 669 5331 or text COSY to 70058 to donate £10.

Have a pet with fireworks phobia? Prepare now to prevent injury and distress, urge vets

With fireworks season fast approaching (it’s arrived already in Drylaw! – Ed.) , the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued top tips to help owners protect their pets and livestock from possible injury and distress in the run up to Diwali (20 October), Bonfire Night (5 November) and New Year’s Eve. 

Signs of fireworks-related distress can vary from animal to animal. While some pets show obvious signs of fireworks-related anxiety, such as panting, drooling and attempts to escape, there are also more subtle signs that owners should be aware of, including restlessness and toileting in the house.

Cats often hide, while rabbits may keep very still and thump the ground with their back feet. Poultry are especially at risk of ‘smother’, where in a fear response birds huddle together, which can result in death for some. 

Each year, vets across the UK see animals with firework-related injuries at this time of the year. By far the most commonly reported cases are self injuries caused by fireworks-related anxiety, such as tooth injuries to dogs from chewing furniture or fractures in horses that had bolted from their fields.

The debris and remnants of fireworks and paper lanterns in fields and surrounding countryside can also pose a serious risk of injury to livestock, wildlife and zoo animals. 

British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: “While fireworks displays can be fun for some of us, they can be extremely traumatic for pets, farm animals, wildlife and animals in zoos. Each year, vets treat animals with injuries caused as a result of stress and fright, as well as burns. 

“You can also take simple steps around the house now, such as creating a den for dogs and cats, to keep them safe and calm when fireworks start. Make sure pets are microchipped with up-to-date details in case of escape.  

“Longer-term treatment options can be successful with professional input and owner commitment and patience. If your pet gets significantly distressed by fireworks, you should contact your vet now to discuss noise desensitisation techniques, pheromone products and other treatments that may be appropriate for your pet.” 

BVA suggests ten top tips to help pet owners and livestock keepers prepare animals as fireworks season approaches: 

  1. Talk to your vet to discuss treatment options for fireworks-induced stress. This may include drugs to help dogs with noise phobias or pheromone products to apply next to your pets’ den and around the house to keep them calm. 
  2. Create a well-padded den for your pet to access ahead of fireworks season so they have a safe place to hide when fireworks start. 
  3. Ensure your pet is microchipped and your details are up to date on the database, in case it runs away from home. 
  4. Move small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs to a quiet place indoors. 
  5. Close windows and curtains and provide background noise to help mask the fireworks. 
  6. If your pet is distressed, remain calm yourself. Restlessness or toileting in the house can be signs of stress, so don’t punish them. 
  7. Keep livestock housed at times when fireworks are likely to be set off locally and remove any firework debris from grazing pasture before letting them out. 
  8. Horses may be better turned out in a field than stabled, as in a stable they may feel enclosed and unable to move. Owners should consult a qualified equine behaviourist if they have significant concerns about their horse’s response to fireworks. 
  9. If you’re hosting a fireworks display, avoid setting them off near horses, livestock or companion animals. Dispose of any debris and remnants of fireworks responsibly. 
  10. Before lighting a bonfire, remember to check for any wild animals that may be hiding in it. 

BVA continues to call on Government to introduce stricter regulations around the sale and use of fireworks. On 12 November, the Fireworks Impact Coalition, of which BVA is a member, will hold an event in parliament hosted by Sarah Owen MP to lobby MPs for changes in the law to better take account of the impact of fireworks on both people and animals. 

See BVA’s recommendations on firework controls: 

https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/fireworks-and-animal-welfare/  

British Veterinary Association calls on political parties to prioritise veterinary education funding in Scotland

Ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a new manifesto, calling on Scotland’s political parties to prioritise good animal health and welfare and support veterinary education by including a number of key asks in their party manifestos.

The manifesto calls on Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to ensure that veterinary education is properly funded and supported by removing financial barriers for universities and students, so that more homegrown talent, particularly from rural areas, can enter the profession.

The organisation is also urging the new Scottish Government to implement legislation on vital animal welfare issues, such as a complete ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats and improving the welfare of farmed fish.

Launching the manifesto, BVA Scottish Branch President Vivienne Mackinnon said: “We know that there is already strong political and public backing for many of the welfare priorities we’ve set out — including a complete ban on aversive training devices like shock collars.

“The removal of financial barriers for universities and students to encourage more homegrown talent to enter the veterinary profession is vital to address the current shortage of vets in Scotland. We’re eager to work with all parties on these important issues and are urging candidates to speak with vets in their constituencies to gain a better understanding of veterinary workforce and animal welfare issues.

“Vets play a vital role in keeping pets healthy, protecting both animals and the public from disease, and ensuring high standards across the food supply chain. Our manifesto highlights the key animal welfare and workforce issues that matter most to our members across the Scottish veterinary community and calls for cross-party commitments to take meaningful action”

BVA is urging the veterinary community in Scotland to read the manifesto, share it with their networks, and engage their local MSP on veterinary education funding, shock collar ban, and five other key calls to action:

  • Improve the welfare of farmed fish- Implement legislation based upon the principles of humane slaughter of farmed fish as set out by the Animal Welfare Committee. As an interim measure, we welcome the new statutory guidance issued by the Government under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
  • Teach children about animal welfare- Make animal welfare and sentience part of the national curriculum. Children should learn about animals’ needs, duty of care, and the meaning of sentience so they grow up treating animals and people with compassion and respect.
  • Support the veterinary workforce– Streamline the visa/sponsorship process for international vets to attract and support veterinary talent from overseas and sustain the vital roles they contribute to in Scotland, including public health.
  • Tighten the regulation of fireworks- Implement the recommendations of the Fireworks Review Group as soon as possible and ensure effective application of Firework Control Zones across the country.
  • Champion the veterinary voice in farming policy- The veterinary profession should be recognised as a key partner in shaping agricultural policy. The new Government must commit to maintaining the current level of resource spent on the scanning surveillance network to safeguard both animal and public health.

BVA is the leading body representing vets in the UK, with around 19,000 members, including nearly 2,500 in Scotland.

For more detail read BVA’s Manifesto for Scotland’s animals, vets, and public health 2026-2031.

Letters: Cats Protection thanks players of People’s Postcode Lottery

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY

Dear Letters Editor,

This International Day of Charity (5 September) we would like to say thank you to each of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery whose generosity has enabled us to help around one million cats to date.

Since 2018, People’s Postcode Lottery players have raised £12,439,702 for Cats Protection, helping us be there for cats and kittens in need. One million cats’ lives have been changed for the better and this incredible milestone could not have been achieved without players’ support.

Thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players we have been able to remain at the forefront of research on cat welfare, using our decades of experience to support cat owners to keep their pets happy, healthy and safe.

Helping people understand their cats means we can often avoid owners having to give up their pets. But when rehoming is the right thing to do, our teams look after cats with care and kindness,  finding them loving new homes.  

We speak up for cats, changing laws to give cats more protection and also run the world’s largest single-species neutering programme, for both pets and feral cats. 

When cat owners face hard times, we work to keep them with their pets, offering a temporary foster service for those fleeing domestic abuse, supporting those facing the loss of their cat as well as peace of mind when an owner passes away that their cat will be looked after and rehomed. 

Whatever it takes, we’re here for cats and the people who care for them, thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players. 

Yours faithfully

Cat Jarvis

Senior Philanthropy Communications Officer, Cats Protection

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home successfully rehomes stray cats found fending for themselves

Two courageous stray cats and their tiny litters are now safe, healthy, and home thanks to the love and care of the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.

The young feline mothers were found fending for themselves outdoors, with Grace also caring for a litter of vulnerable newborns. Rescued thanks to supportive and caring members of the public, the cats were brought to safety, given the medical care and comfort they desperately needed, and supported as they raised their kittens in the loving environment of the Home.

Now, after weeks of care, both feline families have found loving forever homes — a heartwarming reminder of the life-changing work Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home does every day.

Grace, a three-year-old stray was brought to the Home in April in a cardboard box with her four tiny kittens. Named by the Home as Kermit, Gonzo, Janice and Camilla, the Home believes Grace’s kittens were just a week old when they were brought to them, as they hadn’t yet opened their eyes.

Protective of her young brood, Grace was at first wary when the Animal Welfare Carers went to care for them, but her trust was soon won over. Once they were ready, the kittens were rehomed, and Grace soon followed.

Cassie was brought to the Home as a stray on March 5th and on March 13th her litter of five kittens was born. Espresso, Treacle, Maple, Bunny, Blossom were rehomed after their vet checks, vaccinations and being microchipped.

Nonnie Kent from the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said, “Raising a litter of kittens as a stray is incredibly challenging, so we’re truly grateful we could step in to care for Grace, Cassie, and their kittens. They all deserved a safe, loving environment — and we’re so proud to have given them that.

“The kittens brought endless joy to the Home. Every morning, Grace’s four would be patiently waiting for us—lined up as if they knew breakfast and cuddles were coming. Cassie’s little explorers, on the other hand, were always on the move, curious about everything. Once they had their health checks, vaccinations, and microchips, it was such a joy to watch each kitten go off to a new home.

“We’re equally thrilled that Grace and Cassie have found families of their own. It’s a wonderful second chance for two incredibly resilient mums.”

Martha, who welcomed Maple and Treacle—now called Pippin and Noah—into her home, commented: “It has been wonderful to have Pippin and Noah come into our lives. 

“One of our older cats had to be put down earlier in the year and he left a big gap.  Being able to adopt these two from the Home has brought us so much fun and laughter – as well as quite a lot of chaos!  

“It’s been 16 years since we last had young kittens and we’d forgotten quite how mad they can be – especially when there are two of them chasing each other.

The adoption process was straight forward but also thorough – and staff made sure we understood the commitment we were making. We already can’t imagine life without Noah and Pippin!”

To find out more information on cats and dogs available for adoption or how you can make a donation, please visit www.edch.org.uk

UK launches world-first study to assess antibiotic resistance levels in healthy dogs and cats

SCOTLAND’S RURAL COLLEGE TO LEAD RESEARCH

New, groundbreaking research to protect both animal and human health from antibiotic-resistant infections is underway to develop the world’s first dedicated surveillance system in healthy dogs and cats, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has announced.

Over half of UK adults own pets and live with them in a shared environment, meaning that bacteria, including resistant bacteria, can spread easily between animals and people. All animals and humans have bacteria in their bodies and in many cases these bugs do not cause any harm.

However, some bacteria can be resistant to antibiotics which can lead to serious human or animal health consequences if they cause an infection. Through this study, the VMD seek to understand more about the levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in household pets across the UK, to better protect public health and the health of our pets.

Pet owners across the UK will be contributing to the research programme; the study aims to identify the most reliable methods for understanding AMR in dogs and cats and will include outreach to households and veterinary practices to submit faecal samples from the animals they live with and look after. 

These samples will generate AMR surveillance data in healthy companion animals for the first time.

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will conduct the pilot study over 4 years and bring huge expertise in this field of work, having established surveillance programmes in other countries. 

Abi Seager, VMD CEO said: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious global health threats that we face.

“I am proud to launch this ground-breaking AMR surveillance project in healthy cats and dogs with SRUC, who have a proven track-record of establishing surveillance programmes from the ground-up, and this new study is a truly One Health intervention to tackle AMR.

“A recent report published by the Public Accounts Committee on AMR, highlighted the need to address surveillance gaps in animals and we are pleased the VMD is already driving progress in this area.”

John Berezowski, Professor in Disease Surveillance at SRUC’s Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) in Inverness, said: “This initiative is critical for a better understanding of the transmission and maintenance of AMR in our pets. Our experts have worked hard to develop a practical AMR surveillance system.

“We plan to follow a team approach, working with pet owners and their vets as we explore how best to collect samples for surveillance throughout the UK.”

This work will build on existing surveillance programmes in animals, coordinated by the VMD. Currently, in companion animals in the UK, surveillance for AMR only covers a limited number of clinically unwell animals and no country currently has representative national surveillance of AMR in healthy dogs and cats.

The work also follows a similar study recently carried out by UKHSA, looking at the levels of resistant bacteria in healthy people.

VMD are also working to address gaps in clinical surveillance data from companion animals under veterinary care, by addressing barriers to public-private AMR data sharing. This work is being funded by the Integrated Security Fund Biosecurity Portfolio and is being conducted in partnership with the University of Liverpool and private veterinary laboratories.