EU
New EU-Wide Welfare Rules For Dogs & Cats
New European Union rules covering the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats have now been formally published. Regulation (EU) 2026/1818 establishes common requirements covering areas including breeding establishments, shelters and sellers, alongside identification and registration measures designed to improve traceability. The legislation represents a significant move towards common standards across EU member states.
Cuba
Cuba’s Economic Crisis Is Putting Cat Rescue Under Pressure
Animal rescuers in Havana are struggling to care for stray and abandoned cats as Cuba’s continuing economic crisis affects access to food, medicines and veterinary supplies. Rescue organisations are working against shortages that are making already difficult animal welfare work increasingly challenging.
USA
More Than 70 Dogs Rescued After Storm Exposes Hoarding Situation In The US
More than 70 dogs were discovered in an Indiana trailer after a tree fell during a storm and exposed what authorities described as a hoarding situation. Cats were also found at the property. Humane Indiana said the operation became the largest hoarding rescue it has undertaken, placing considerable demands on the organisation as the animals were removed and assessed.
UK
Scotland Clarifies Licensing Rules For Animal Rehoming Organisations
The Scottish Government has updated guidance covering organisations rehoming animals in Scotland. The rules can require organisations rehoming five or more animals during a 12-month period to obtain an animal welfare establishment licence. Importantly, the requirements can also apply to organisations based outside Scotland if animals are being rehomed to people within Scotland.
UK
Cat Loses Both Ears Following Severe Sun Damage
Battersea has highlighted the case of a cat named Buddy who required both ears to be removed after developing cancerous and precancerous lesions associated with exposure to ultraviolet light. The charity is using his case to raise awareness that cats, particularly those with pale or sparsely furred areas, can also be vulnerable to sun damage.
USA
First Evidence-Based First-Aid Guidelines For Dogs & Cats Released
New evidence-based first-aid guidelines have been published for dogs and cats. Developed through the RECOVER Initiative, the guidance is intended to provide a more consistent approach to recognising emergencies and giving immediate assistance before professional veterinary treatment is available. The work brings together available scientific evidence and expert consensus to establish practical first-aid recommendations specifically for companion animals.
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