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SMALL BITES

ENTRIES OPEN FOR FELINE OSCARS

cat

The search is on for the UK’s favourite feline as Cats Protection today launches its Rescue Cat Awards 2008, sponsored by Purina PetCare – and the charity is on the prowl for nominations.

Now in its fourth year, the "Feline Oscars" are designed to celebrate the real life stories of survival, bravery and heroism in the cat world.

This year’ event promises to be better than ever with a glamorous award ceremony to be held at The Pharaohs Palace Hospitality Suite, which is part of the prestigious Tutankhamun Exhibition in London’s O2 Arena – a fitting venue given the ancient Egyptians’ love of cats.

The event – on Friday 1 August – will be attended by celebrity supporters who will present prizes and pay tribute to the nation’s top rescue cats.

Owners have until 27 May to enter one of the four categories:

  • Hero Cat– Cats that save the day!
  • Ultimate Survivor – Tales of feline survival after those nine lives have been spent
  • Best Friends – Where a best feline friend has radically improved the quality of human life.
  • Most Incredible Story – Belief-defying, true stories. If only puss could talk! (This category is run in association with The People’s Take It Easy Magazine).

The awards are open to any living cat rescued as a stray by its current owner or adopted from an animal welfare organisation.

Peter Hepburn, Cats Protection’s Chief Executive, said: "There is something very special about each and every rescue cat, and that is something we want to celebrate with the Rescue Cat Awards 2008."

"Rescue cats often have amazing tales to tell, from the touching to the truly remarkable and we would love to hear those stories. Not only would we like to give these cats the recognition they deserve, we also want to highlight how rescue cats make wonderful pets."

The winner of this year’s Rescue Cat Awards will inherit the title from previous winner Tee Cee, a black-and-white cat that had been abandoned in a box as a kitten. Tee Cee was crowned 2006 winner after amazing judges with his ability to predict when his owner was about to have an epileptic seizure – proving to be a lifeline to his family.

For more information and an entry form, please visit www.cats.org.uk. Alternatively please call 08702 099 099.

RSPCA DOG FIGHTING RAIDS – SIX ARRESTED

Six people have been arrested and 14 pitbull-type dogs have been seized during a series of co-ordinated raids. Four addresses and a barn were raided by the police and RSPCA across three counties in relation to suspected organised dog fighting.

Officers discovered a number of pit-bull type dogs with scarring injuries consistent with fighting. Dog fighting paraphernalia was also discovered along with veterinary kits – used to treat injuries sustained from fights and dog fighting videos. A suspected dog fighting pit was also discovered at one of the addresses.

In addition officers found one dead pit-bull which has been taken away for postmortem, and two injured Canary dogs which have been taken to a vet.

Chief Inspector Mike Butcher of the RSPCA Special Operations Unit, said "People may think that dog-fighting has gone away, but that's simply not true. There are still people who seem to gain pleasure from seeing two dogs ripping each other to pieces, so whilst those people continue to pursue their vile hobby, the RSPCA will continue to pursue them."

He added: "We would ask people to continue being vigilant and call us if they suspect that dog fighting, badger baiting or cock-fighting are taking place. These socalled 'sports' belong in the dark ages, so hopefully we can eradicate them from the UK."

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999. Calls are treated in confidence.

FAT CAT IN A FLAP

A massively overweight cat has been put on a diet after getting stuck in his cat flap.

Worried owner Molly Oliver considered Sooty’s weight gain to be harmless, but decided he ought to go the vets when she had to prise him from the door. Vets were amazed to see the six–year–old had piled on the pounds since his last visit, tipping the scales at almost two stone – three times the size of a normal cat.