Latest news with #Ragdoll
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Our Malaysian cats are roaring ... The top eight finalists for Cat Fashion Week have been finalised
It's official ...The Top Eight Cat Fashion Week list was officially announced through a special segment on the NONA program last week. As the first reality programme in Malaysia to put the feline as the main star of the show, Cat Fashion Week is not just a fashion event, it celebrates the character, charm, and special relationship between owners and their pets. This unique concept not only touches the heart but also brings the cat lover community together across the country. From hundreds of entries received, only 20 cats were selected for the pre-judging round that day to showcase their respective styles inspired by their owners' creativity. In a meticulous judging session, judge Yuen Wai explained, 'It's called Cat Fashion Week, so one of the main criteria we will judge is the clothes the cats wear, and also when we have a fashion show, we will also udge the cat's beauty. "These two things are quite important in our evaluation. If the cat is beautiful no matter what, but if she's not confident, she's afraid, so she doesn't wear that outfit. The compatibility of the cat with the owner is also important. We want to find a winner who is balanced.' Here are the Top 8 who will compete on the catwalk at Cat Fashion Week: 1. Nurul Izzah & Omey (Male, Siberian); 2. Nurul Awwal & Chibu (Male, Domestic Long Hair); 3. Nurmayani & Kristoff (Male, Ragdoll); 4. Siti Rohani & Goyem (Male, Domestic Long Hair); 5. Farahin Zakaria & Junny (Female, Persian); 6. Zakry Shazryl & Winter Notty (Male, Munchkin); 7. Anis Halyatie & Evian Evan (Male, Ragdoll); 8. Siti Khadijah & Mocha (Female, Domestic Long Hair) The finale is now approaching and the eight finalists are now entering an intensive preparation phase, from designing their outfits to building their harmony and confidence on the catwalk. Last Sunday's episode of NONA also featured one of the Top 8 finalists, Mocha, a Domestic Long Hair female cat who loves to be petted like a little child. According to her owner, Siti Khadijah, "I have fully taken care of Mocha since she was a little girl until now, she is 4 years old. My sister gave her to me as a gift... and I entered Cat Fashion Week just for fun, I just wanted to try it once, at least we can have an experience and a sweet moment together." Mocha, who is spoiled at home but fierce outside, also likes to be in high places and walk in the park, making her one of the most outstanding participants in the eyes of the judges. Follow the exciting story of the next finalist in a special segment of Cat Fashion Week through the NONA program, every Sunday at 2 pm, only on TV3. Starting July 27, 2025, viewers will also be treated to an exclusive capsule that will air every Sunday, at 7.50pm, for three consecutive weeks, showcasing the challenges and journey behind the scenes of Cat Fashion Week. The much-anticipated highlight night will take place on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 9pm, to see who will take home the title of champion along with a cash prize of RM5,000. Also up for grabs are the special awards, the Felix, Si Bijak and Si Lincah Awards, a tribute to the agility and intelligence of the feline! To get the latest info about TV3 or your favourite drama, visit TV3's social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, namely @TV3Malaysia.
Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Inside squalid home where 43 cats found as RSPCA unable to even go upstairs over fears urine-soaked floor would COLLAPSE
The stench was so bad it made the RSPCA inspector's throat burn HELLHOME Inside squalid home where 43 cats found as RSPCA unable to even go upstairs over fears urine-soaked floor would COLLAPSE Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PENSIONERS kept 43 cats inside a grim home where the urine-soaked floor was close to collapsing. Faeces and rubbish covered the floor and windows of Ernest and Jean Frost's property - which had the worst smell experienced by an inspector in eight years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Two of the neglected cats found in the grimy kitchen Credit: NNP 9 The landing of the house where the cats were holed up Credit: NNP 9 A ragdoll kitten can be seen sitting in the layers of grime on the floor Credit: NNP The pair kept dozens of Maine Coon and Ragdoll felines at their home in Chester-le-Street, County Durham. The RSPCA were called to the address in February following concerns about the welfare of ten cats who were believed to be living there. They were shocked to discover a clowder of 35 cats, who were initially rescued and rushed to the vets before another was discovered the following day. A further seven were later handed over by the couple. The state of the property was so bad that one officer was unable to make it to the top floor out of fear it would collapse due to ammonia damage. One tiny kitten looked "close to death", the RSPCA inspector said. Two adult cats and the "majority" of rescued kittens all sadly died. A prosecution was sought against the pair and they later pleaded guilty to one Animal Welfare Act breach. Ernest Frost, 71, and his wife, 68, were both handed a three-year disqualification from keeping animals at Peterlee Magistrates' Court in Durham. In her written evidence, RSPCA Inspector Rowena Proctor said: "A female who I now know to be Jean Frost went to the rear patio doors and allowed us access. "The smell inside was worse than the smell of any property I have ever been into. "The conditions were appalling, with faeces covering the majority of the floors, window sills and up the walls. "There was no visibly clean area anywhere aside from blankets on the sofa and some clean dishes on the side in the kitchen. "I was immediately concerned for some kittens on the sofa who were in really poor condition. "Several had their eyes sealed shut with discharge. One grey kitten in particular looked close to death, with its head back and open mouth breathing. "The property had three floors but the landing area between the middle and top floor was so littered in rubbish and faeces that it was impossible to walk over without feeling like the floor would cave through, presumably due to ammonia damage, so I did not manage to access the top floor at all." 9 Some of the poor cats' eyes were sealed shut by grime Credit: NNP 9 The pair have now been banned from having pets Credit: NNP 9 Flies congregated in the couple's house because it was so dirty Credit: NNP "My throat burned and my eyes watered due to the huge amount of ammonia in the air." The vet who examined the majority of the pets said it was likely that several infectious diseases were circulating within the home. The kitten seen at the house with breathing difficulties was so poorly he was put to sleep and two others died after being hospitalised. In her written evidence to the court the vet said: "Many of these cats were in poor body condition and were underweight. "This is likely contributed to by underlying infectious disease and parasites, and competition for food from other cats. "This is an excessive number of cats to keep in one household and will have caused direct psychological suffering to all them. "It is likely that these animals suffered in these conditions for months but possibly years." The nursing and pregnant females were cared for at the RSPCA's Felledge Animal Centre but sadly the majority of kittens who were born all died. Two poorly adult cats, one of whom had given birth, were also put to sleep the following month with Jean Frost's consent. In her interview with the RSPCA, Jean Frost said she wasn't a cat breeder and that all the litters were unintentional. She said only two of the felines were neutered and she had "possibly lost track" of how many she had. In his interview, her husband said he thought the kittens looked "alright" and the cats were "definitely not suffering' and they were managing the number they had. The majority of surviving cats have already been adopted and ten others, which Jean Frost refused to sign over, can also now be legally rehomed by the charity after the court imposed a deprivation order. Both were also ordered to pay £150 costs and in mitigation the court was told the couple were in poor health. Speaking after the court hearing, Inspector Proctor said: "This was by far the worst smell I have encountered in eight years as an RSPCA Inspector. "The cats were living in wholly unacceptable conditions and there were clearly far too many for the defendants to be able to manage and care for properly. "Breeding had spiralled out of control, infection and disease were rife, and many of the kittens born into this environment were very poorly as a result. "Even though they couldn't all be saved, the vast majority made a good recovery. "I'd like to say a huge thank you to all the private boarding establishments and RSPCA centres who cared for the cats in this case, and to the many adopters who have welcomed them into their lives." 9 One of the 43 cats rescued from the disgusting house Credit: NNP 9 The filth covered the property's floor and the stench was so bad it made the inspector's eyes water Credit: NNP
The Star
22-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Towards responsible pet breeding, sales
BETTY was fast asleep when the clatter of a food bowl stirred her from slumber. A shop worker had entered her glass enclosure, setting down water and a fresh serving of kibble. Roused by the familiar sounds, she began swishing her tail, eyes fixed on the bowl now filled with crunchy promise. With her long fur and striking blue eyes, the Ragdoll cat was once the star of the pet shop in Cyberjaya, Selangor. Two years ago, she was priced at RM3,800. Now older, the tag on the enclosure reads RM1,200. Time is slipping away. It is unclear what fate awaits if no one decides she is cute enough to take home. A worker at the pet shop, who declined to be named, said Betty's price would be reduced further in coming weeks. 'We'll probably let her go for around RM500,' she said, although she could not confirm what would happen if no one bought the cat. Betty's story is not unique. Adoption an option to help animals find a home. — Photos: Filepix and courtesy pic Pets put up for sale tend to get cheaper over time although their maintenance costs remain high. This has raised fears that these animals might be abandoned or worse, euthanised, to cut losses. Pet care proved a lucrative sector when, in 2022, it grew by 25%, according to the Economic Census 2023 conducted by Department of Statistics Malaysia. The largest contributor was pet sales, valued at RM699.4mil, followed by veterinary services (RM219.7mil) and care services (RM38.5mil). To attract shoppers, some shops and breeders even allow purchases through monthly instalments, with payments starting as low as RM80. Animal lovers and activists warn that the country could see a surge in pets – and subsequently abandonment and cruelty cases – if regulations are not tightened. There have also been concerns following reports about breeders using unethical means such as inbreeding to maximise litter output, sending more genetically defective and sickly pets into people's homes. Legal concerns Currently, commercial activities related to pets, such as selling and breeding, are governed under Animal Welfare Act 2015 (AWA) (Act 772). The Act defines breeding as production of offspring with the intention of selling them for profit. It also requires those involved to obtain a licence, according to Dr Saravanakumar Supramaniam Pillai, former Veterinary Services Department (DVS) senior deputy director. He said under AWA, the department was empowered to revoke the licence of breeders or pet shop owners for animal abuse and neglect. 'However, this is not as straightforward as it sounds because once a licence is revoked, DVS would be left in charge of the animals. 'Some quarters may suggest the department take custody of the animals, but that is not sustainable due to limited resources,' he said. Under AWA, the owner or licensee who commits an offence is liable to a fine of between RM15,000 and RM75,000, or jail for no more than two years, or both. Pet shops also require a separate licence from local authorities to operate. Previously, it was reported that Selangor was mulling imposing a ban on the sale of pets, specifically cats and dogs, at pet shops. In June 2023, then Selangor local government, public transportation and new village development committee chairman Ng Sze Han announced that the move was a bid to curb unscrupulous sales by backyard breeders to shops, and encourage the adoption of pets from shelters. However, two years on, there have been no updates from the state government, and the proposal appears to have been shelved. Dr Saravanakumar believes that in an ideal scenario, pet breeders should sell animals directly to prospective owners. Dr Saravanakumar, who is now Farm Animal Welfare, Policy and Engagement for Humane Society International senior adviser, said banning pet sales at shops could prove tricky. 'Pet sales are a major revenue source for shops and many people look to these premises to buy pedigree breeds,' he said. To get a better idea of conditions in which the animals were bred and raised, he encouraged prospective owners to buy directly from breeders. Or, they could opt for adoption and save a life. Conscientious breeding To ensure welfare and ethical practices, Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) chairman Christine Chin called on the authorities to come up with guidelines to regulate breeding. She said although AWA outlined duty of care for licensees, it was not specific enough in addressing breeding-related activities. Section 24 of AWA requires that animals be kept in appropriate environments, given proper diet, allowed to express natural behaviours and protected from pain. Chin suggested DVS collaborate with animal activists to draft more comprehensive guidelines on breeding. Her chief concern is overbreeding, where females are impregnated repeatedly at short intervals to produce as many litters as possible. Chin is calling on the authorities to come up with guidelines to regulate breeding and promote ethical practices. 'This is physically taxing on the mothers. 'To better ensure their welfare, breeding should be capped at once a year and limited to mothers between two and five years of age,' she said. Chin also raised concerns that some breeders may separate litters from their mothers prematurely to begin another breeding cycle as soon as possible. 'Animals have maternal instincts too and mothers get sad if their litters are taken away too soon,' she added. The Animal Welfare Practice Code (Pets Breeding Activities) released by DVS states that animals used for breeding must be at least 12 weeks old. It adds that kittens and puppies can be weaned at eight weeks old, by which time they can start eating solid food. Preserving lineage, gene Non-profit Malaysia Cat Club committee member Cheong Yuen Wai has been breeding cats since 2014. The club is affiliated with Internationale Feline Federation, a Europe-based registry that maintains pedigree records and cat breed standards, and regulates international cat competitions and programmes. Cheong said he followed strict, self-imposed standards to ensure animals under his care were bred ethically. He also sells them to buyers directly via his cattery without going through pet shops as intermediary. 'I only sell kittens that are four months or older. I also send my cats for medical check-ups regularly. 'Besides separating the males and females, breeding pairs are neutered once they are around seven years of age,' he said, adding that he would rehome the sterilised animals with friends and family. (From left) Cheong and his business partners Faiz Nafedz and Noramin Nordin during a cat competition in Kuala Lumpur. A regular participant in cat competitions both locally and abroad – including in Norway and France – Cheong also vets potential buyers. 'To ensure the cats will be in good hands, I interview the buyers and ask for photos of their homes,' he said. Cheong stressed that as a responsible breeder, his goal was not mass reproduction but ensuring continuation of bloodlines. 'I don't do this for profit. I do it to preserve and prevent certain valuable breeds from going extinct,' he said. A huge fan of the British Shorthair, Cheong said the popular breed came close to vanishing after World War II. 'Due to a very small gene pool, breeders had to cross-breed them with other purebreds to preserve the lineage,' he said. Cheong also bought cats from Ukraine, Russia and Poland, which came with certificates confirming their status as pedigrees. He worked with appointed agents to handle the necessary paperwork with DVS and Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services. Meanwhile, pet shop owner Nazril Abdullah said such businesses could play a role in educating the public on animal care. 'We don't just sell pets. We also give advice to buyers on types of food and toys suitable for their pets,' he said. 'To cultivate trust among customers, we only source animals from responsible breeders.' Nazril added that abandoning or euthanising unsold pets was never an option. 'We do limit the number of animals in our shop to ensure they are sold. 'So far, we have never had issues,' he added. Global approach While Malaysia does not have legislation to curb the sale of cats and dogs at pet shops, some countries, especially in Europe, have implemented bans on such sales to address animal welfare concerns. France implemented a ban on Jan 1, 2024, mandating that sales be made only through registered breeders, while Spain passed the Animal Welfare Law in 2023 with similar limitations. In 2019, the United Kingdom introduced legislation known as Lucy Law requiring prospective owners to obtain pets directly from breeders or adoption centres, while Belgium and Austria implemented a ban on selling puppies and kittens at pet shops in 2008 and 2004, respectively. In Turkiye, the sale of cats and dogs at shops has been banned since 2021 under a law that classifies these animals as living beings rather than commodities. Pet owners are required to have digital ID registration, and penalties are imposed for abuse. The law also mandates that pets be sold only through licensed breeders or designated facilities, aiming to improve animal welfare and reduce abandonment cases. Over in Singapore, the government introduced tighter guidelines for pet sales in 2014, requiring pet shop owners to ensure buyers under 16 are accompanied by an adult. Both shop owner and buyer must also complete a Pet Purchase Declaration to assess suitability, with these measures implemented to prevent impulse buying of pets. Those witnessing animal cruelty can make a report to DVS at
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
'Bizarre but brilliant' thriller from creators of Killing Eve made free to stream on BBC iPlayer - but it won't be available for long
A 'bizarre but brilliant' thriller has been made free to stream on BBC iPlayer, but won't be available for long. Based on Daniel Cole's popular novel of the same name, Ragdoll is a fast-paced six-part thriller produced by the same team behind Killing Eve. After first airing in 2021, the drama has recently been added to BBC iPlayer and is available for fans to watch. Henry Lloyd-Hughes plays DS Rose, with British-Brazilian actress Thalissa Teixeira as his friend and colleague DI Emily Baxter, as well as Lucy Hale as DCI Lake Edmunds. The series follows the three detectives as they investigate a serial killer, dubbed Ragdoll, who murdered six people and stitched parts of their bodies together to make a grotesque Frankenstein-like monster. However, those hoping to delve into the thriller don't have long as it's only on the site for five months. It's also airing weekly on Mondays on BBC One. Viewers seem to be split over the series, which scores 92% on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes, but 33% on the Popcornmeter. Watchers have left their verdicts online over the years and according to Metro one said: 'So far it's brilliant, love the settings, characters and actors, hope it continues being brilliant.' While on Google Reviews someone penned: 'We've just watched the series and I'm still not sure if it was terrible or really good? Loads of dead end bits or cock-ups? Bizarre but, we still watched it.' One fan wrote: 'Great show binge watched it yesterday. Couldn't stop watching, had to find out how it ended.' 'Loved loved loved it! Book was better but enjoyed the tv series,' another said. While one viewer penned: 'Started watching this today and I'm addicted hopefully they will come out another season it's so good.' Viewers seem to be split over the series, which scores 92% on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes, but 33% on the Popcornmeter Someone else wasn't so impressed and said: 'Just started watching it. It's totally out there and unbelievable. 'Feel quite compelled to keep watching for the time being, not sure I'll keep it up though. Exhausted trying to keep up!' Another chimed in: 'Much of the dialogue is mumbled and difficult to follow and the flashbacks are irritating Even my dog stopped watching it and so did I after one episode.'
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC viewers can now rediscover crime drama that's everything Killing Eve fans could hope for
The limited series is the latest boxset offering BBC viewers can now rediscover a 'twisted' crime drama that is said to be everything Killing Eve fans could hope for. Ragdoll, which originally aired on Alibi - now known as UandAlibi - has been freshly served up on iPlayer's boxset banquet. Produced in 2021, this limited series now positions itself for discovery by fresh audiences thanks to its new BBC streaming home. All ready for a marathon, viewers have six episodes to devour, each running between 44 to 46 minutes. This chilling tale unspools the murders of six victims, dismembered and stitched together into one macabre 'Ragdoll', setting off a dark detective pursuit. As the homicide squad delves deeper, they become the subject of the murderer's twisted game. Fronting the investigation is Pretty Little Liars and Riverdale's Lucy Hale as DC Lake Edmunds, joined by Henry Lloyd-Hughes, familiar from Harry Potter and set to appear in the Thursday Murder Club film, and Thalissa Teixeira, known for her role in Anne Boleyn. Rooted in Daniel Cole's best-selling novel, Ragdoll won critical acclaim on its debut, notching a laudable 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, reports Surrey Live. The Daily Telegraph's critique offered high praise: "It's not like any other crime drama out there: it's not even like itself, most of the time". The Guardian heaped praise on the show, asserting: "You will know within 10 minutes whether the operatic ultra-violence, black comedy and arch, very nearly overwritten dialogue make you wriggle with joy or combust with irritation." Another critic was impressed, stating: "This dark but witty oddball serial-killer drama is just what you'd hope for from the producers of Killing Eve." Meanwhile, a third remarked: "Don't try to make sense of any of it. Just cover your eyes and watch if you dare." While some viewers have been sending out recommendations for the crime thriller to fellow enthusiasts, reactions overall have been somewhat split. A viewer took to the internet to share their enthusiasm: "For the first time since I don't know how long I was glued to a show, did not skip any episodes or scenes, I even enjoyed watching protagonist and antagonist, relating to both and at times enjoying the antagonist at play. No one could have guessed the end." Still, there's a word of caution from others who say the series' humour might not be everyone's cup of tea and suggested tuning on captions for a better grasp of the plot. In contrast, someone else expressed their let-down: "I usually like stuff like this but by the middle of the second episode I gave up. Far too complicated to a point of me not knowing what was actually going on." Ragdoll is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
