The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is advising pet owners to take extra precautions to ensure dogs, cats and other small pets are kept safe from hidden and potentially fatal winter hazards.
As with humans, pets can fall ill upon exposure to extremely cold temperatures for extended periods. To avoid this, BVA is asking owners to consider putting a coat on old dogs or those with thin fur to keep them warm. It is also important to wipe your dog’s paws and belly on returning home from a snowy walk to remove any traces of ice or grit, and to regularly check for cracks in paw-pads or for redness between the toes.
Police opposition to high strength alcohol being sold in a Milton Keynes city centre kiosk was overruled by a council committee.
The Point Kiosk, in Midsummer Boulevard, had applied to Milton Keynes Council to lift a ban on selling booze above six per cent, including wine and spirits, from the premises.
But Thames Valley Police objected, saying that problem drinkers tend to congregate around places where they can buy high-strength booze, causing problems.
Police opposition meant that a licensing sub committee was convened on Tuesday to decide the issue.
Licensing officer Gemma McCormack told the committee that “street drinkers who congregate outside of off licences, appear to target off licences who sell higher strength alcohol.