Scotland has no plans to ban cats, minister confirms

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney dismissed online rumours that the country planned to ban pet cats, clarifying, “We have no intention of doing so.”

The speculation arose after a report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission suggested measures to curb the 27 million birds killed by domestic cats in Britain each year. Proposals included vaccinations, neutering and potential ownership limits in areas with endangered bird species.

Swinney reassured the public, stating the government would not ban or restrict cats.

Lost silent film on Lincoln found after 100 years

A 1915 silent film about Abraham Lincoln, The Heart of Lincoln, believed lost forever, was discovered in a Long Island warehouse.

Dan Martin, a summer intern at Historic Films Archive, found the only known surviving copy while sorting through donated film cans. The Library of Congress had listed it among 7,000 lost silent films.

Directed by Francis Ford, the film has now been cleaned and digitised. Archive owner Joe Lauro called its rediscovery a rare find, as 70% of silent films are lost.

Seal found napping in hotel room

A guest at a seaside hotel in the Netherlands was surprised to find a gray seal sleeping on their floor.

The Zeeland Animal Welfare Foundation said hotel staff at Boulevard 17 called for help, and rescuers initially “couldn’t believe it.” Upon arrival, they confirmed the unexpected guest and contacted the Sea Animal Rescue Team Netherlands RTZ.

The ‘grumpy’ seal, annoyed at being woken up, was placed in a basket an

102 venomous snakes removed from Sydney home

An Australian reptile wrangler removed 102 venomous snakes from a home in Horsley Park, a Sydney suburb, after a resident spotted multiple serpents in a mulch pile.

Homeowner David Stein initially saw six red-bellied black snakes and, after learning they might be gathering to give birth, contacted Reptile Relocation Sydney. Snake catcher Dylan Cooper arrived and found five adult snakes — four carrying eggs — along with dozens of newborns.

Company owner Cory Kerewaro said the count grew from 40 to 70, then 90, before reaching 102 — setting a record for their team. The snakes will be released into the wild.

Though venomous, red-bellied black snakes are typically non-aggressive toward humans.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 22nd, 2025