News Mash-up: Animals

Biden family welcomes Willow, a Pennsylvanian farm cat, to White House The Biden family finally has a cat. First lady Jill Biden’s office has announced America’s first family is excited to welcome a 2-year-old, gray-and-white-striped cat named Willow to the White House. Biden, a community college professor, named the cat after her hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, said Michael LaRosa, the first lady’s spokesperson. “A farm cat from Pennsylvania, Willow made quite an impression on Dr. Biden in 2020 when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop,” LaRosa said. “Seeing their immediate bond, the owner of the farm knew that Willow belonged with Dr. Biden.” The green-eyed, short-haired tabby cat was settling in well at the White House with “her favorite toys, treats and plenty of room to smell and explore,” LaRosa said. (Reuters) Swiss voters reject ban on animal testing Swiss voters rejected a proposal by animal rights activists to make Switzerland the first country to ban medical and scientific experiments on animals in referendums. Only 21% of voters were in favor of the animal experiment ban, with 79% against, according to government figures, in the nationwide referendum held Feb. 13 under the Swiss tradition of direct democracy. Supporters hoped to halt tests but ran into opposition from the powerful pharmaceuticals lobby, which warned of the economic damage such a ban could cause. (Reuters) These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.