CATS PROTECTION

Pixie the little cat mentioned in our last article is no longer receiving any medication.  This gentle cat would benefit from a quiet home with someone prepared to give her the love and affection she needs.

We often get requests from people to take in stray cats, some of which have only recently been seen in the person's garden.  If the cat is looking fit and well it is probably someone's precious pet exploring the neighbourhood.  We do now have paper collars, which the person can put round the cat's neck asking the owner to contact them to confirm the cat is their cat.  Other people contact us because they have been feeding a "stray" for several months and do not wish to continue to do so.  As we have waiting lists for cats to come in we cannot take the stray in immediately and ask the person to continue to feed until we are able to do so or contact other local rescue organisations.  Although some people are not happy that we cannot help immediately there is no other action we can take.  In two instances recently where we have taken in a stray, the owner of the cat has contacted us, and cat and owner have been reunited.

When a stray cat comes into our care we have to keep it for at least two weeks before finding it a new home.  Unless the cat is a genuine stray we could be guilty of catnapping under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.  This Act also states it is an offence to destroy (or damage a cat in any way) as it is someone's property.

If you are looking for a cat or kitten, call Stephanie on 01692 535858.   Alternatively you can visit www.northwalshamcats.co.uk for a description and photographs of the cats before giving her a call on the above number.

LAMS = Life After Multiple Sclerosis

OPEN DAY

Monday 27th November
11.30am - 2pm

FREE ENTRY

To Crafts Show & Sale

St Joseph's Catholic Church Hall, Cromer Road, Sheringham

www.mssociety.org.uk

FINAL REMINDER FOR ELECTORAL REGISTRATION

About 5000 households in North Norfolk have not yet registered to vote and final reminders have dropped through their letterboxes urging them to do so as soon as possible.  Electoral registration forms were delivered to all 52,000 homes in the District at the end of August, asking for details of people who are age 16 or over (so it includes those who will reach the voting age of 18 during the life of the Register).   The first reminders were sent out towards the end of September.

However, around 5000 forms (roughly 10%) have not yet been returned, and time is running out for these to be received by the Electoral Registration Officer in time for processing before publication of the revised Register of Electors on 1 December this year.

Those who are not registered are not able to vote.  Registering is a legal requirement, even if you choose not to cast your vote at elections.

The next elections for the District Council and all North Norfolk Parish Councils are to take place on 3 May, 2007.  People who are not registered can find they have trouble getting credit because banks, building societies and other financial institutions use the register as confirmation of residence when carrying out credit checks.

Philip Burton, the Council's Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, said,   "The Council places great importance on the production of a complete and accurate Register of Electors but this cannot be done without the participation and cooperation of North Norfolk residents.  So we would urge those who have not yet completed and returned their forms to do so strait away."