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Comedy Pet Photo Awards 2024 entries open
Last year's winner: 'A life-changing experience' (C) Michel Zoghzoghi/Comedy Pets

Entrants could win a cash prize, trophy and a bag.

The Comedy Pet Photo Awards 2024 competition has opened for entries, for the chance to win a £500 cash prize.

The competition invites all pet lovers to share the funniest pictures or videos of their cats, dogs, horses, or any other pet to win the trophy and be crowned Comedy Pet Photographer of the Year. As well as the cash prize and trophy, the winner will also receive a photography bag from Thinktank.

This year, to encourage young photographers to get involved, competition entries will be completely free for under 16’s.

The entries will be judged by an expert and celebrity panel, including conservationist Kate Humble, comedian Mel Giedroyc, award-winning photographer Elke Vogelsang, animal photographer Gerrard Gethings and veterinary surgeon Emma Milne. They will also be considered by the competition founders, Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam.

The Comedy Pet Photo Awards, now in its fifth year, were introduced to raise awareness of animal welfare issues, and the valuable contributions that pets make to everyday life. They also aim to highlight as many animal welfare charities as possible.

As well as the Best Overall Photo, a winner will be chosen from each competition category. The categories are Dogs, Cats, Horses, All the Other Creatures, Pets who look like their owners, Junior and Video.

Last year’s winner was Michel Zoghzoghi, a wildlife photographer from Beirut, Lebanon. Mr Zoghzoghi’s entry, ‘A life-changing experience’ (pictured), featured his rescue kittens Max and Alex playing together.

After his win, Mr Zoghzoghi said: “As a wildlife photographer I never really considered sending photos to a pet competition until I discovered Comedy Pets.

“It’s witty, it’s fun and the photos are hilarious."

Michelle Wood, from Comedy Pet Photo Awards, said: "Our pets are truly the gifts that keep on giving; these creators of mayhem, mischief and magical moments bring so much joy and laughter to our world and Comedy Pets allows us to share this around the world and give people a sweet taste of silliness when a lot of the headline news is pretty grim."

The closing date for entries is 14 April 2024. Entries can be submitted via the website, with an entry fee per submission. Under 16’s can enter for free.

Images © Michel Zoghzoghi/Comedy Pets 2024 and © Chris Porsz/Comedy Pets 2024

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.