As temperatures start to drop, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) are warning pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats are kept free from hidden and potentially fatal hazards this winter. During the winter your pets can be affected by the cold and get ill. To avoid this walk dogs for less time but more often when temperatures drop, and consider putting a dog coat on old dogs or those with thin fur to keep them warm.

People across the region are being asked to kick off their work shoes and snuggle into their slippers on 9 December to raise money in support of homeless families. This year there are over 3,600 children homeless in temporary accommodation in the West Midlands this Christmas. 46% increase in last year. Shelter is calling on local businesses and community groups to take part in this fun and easy fundraiser and support the charity’s work in the area.

A new nine-month trial to tackle litter in Haringey has kicked off, which will see teams of uniformed officers patrolling the borough handing out fines ranging from £80 to £400 to anyone dropping or dumping rubbish or allowing their dogs to foul our streets. The trial is part of our drive to work with the community to make our streets cleaner and will include handing out fines to anyone who drops chewing gum or cigarette butts.

Community-minded Snow Champions will be helping to keep Sandwell clear of ice and snow for the sixth year running. The council is providing snow shovels and salt shakers to people willing to clear pavements and pathways to help out in their communities this winter. Five hundred kits, which include 6kg of salt, a shovel and a high-vis vest, are available for new Snow Champions who haven’t applied to join the scheme in previous years.

A former heavy hound from Wolverhampton has become the biggest ever loser in a national pet slimming competition after shedding an incredible 39% of his bodyweight in just six months. Oscar the Spaniel once tipped the scales at a colossal 3st 6Ib (21.6kg), making him 80% over his ideal weight (1st 13lb/12kg). He was dangerously at risk from serious health problems and a shortened life span.  But he wowed judges from vet charity PDSA with his amazing 1st 5lb (8.35kg) weight loss during Pet Fit Club 2016. He is now a much healthier 2st 1lb (13.25kg)

Abbeyfield is marking its 60th anniversary with the launch of its national Companionship at Christmas campaign for isolated older people living in the communities around its 500-plus houses and homes across the country. The older people's charity is holding nationwide events where Abbeyfield houses will be offering plenty of festive food-focused events, from coffee mornings to mince pies and carols, as well as overnight stays for over-55s who would otherwise be waking up to an empty house on December 25.