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Dog welfare manifesto launches ahead of Scottish elections
Dog with shcock collar
The manifesto highlights the need for a ban on electronic training device. 
Calls for Scottish Government to review dog breeding regulations

A package of policy measures for dog welfare is to be launched ahead of the 2016 Scottish Parliament election in May.

Produced by the Kennel Club and Scottish Kennel Club, the ‘A Dog’s Life’ manifesto follows the success of the first ever dog-specific manifesto in the lead-up to the 2015 UK General Election.

It calls for the Scottish Government to recognise the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme and to review regulations on dog breeders.

It also highlights the need for a ban on electronic training devices and to further develop the law on tail docking.

The manifesto will launch at Scottish Parliament on Thursday, 25 February. Representatives from the Kennel Club and Scottish Kennel Club will join SMPs Richard Lochhead, Claudia Beamish and Sir Jamie McGrigor.

“The Kennel Club and Scottish Kennel Club are very much looking forward to our guest speakers highlighting their respective parties’ manifesto pledges relating to the welfare of dogs,” said Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko.

“Once again our manifesto focuses on our vision for legislative change which would do more to protect dogs at every stage of life; from breeding and acquisition to dog training, responsible dog ownership and everyday living.”

Among other welfare measures, the manifesto calls for the Scottish Government to review the use of dogs as a second species for toxicity testing in human drug development.

It also urges the Home Office to investigate all serious and fatal dog bite incidents using the services of a suitable behaviourist. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.