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Petition launched to tackle puppy farming
Image: Marc Abraham
TV vet Marc Abraham introduces Where's Mum campaign

Pup Aid founder and TV vet Marc Abraham has launched an e-petition to help ban the practice of puppy and kitten farming in the UK.

The petition calls for a ban on the sale of puppies and kittens without the mother being present, and for urgent action to be taken to raise public awareness of the issue.

The cause has already received massive support, with celebrities including Brian May, Ricky Gervais, Liam Gallagher, Joanna Page and Meg Mathews getting involved. Marc says: "Everyday another celebrity comes along asking what they can do to help."

Marc launched Pup Aid - a community interest company - in 2010, having seen an influx of puppies coming into emergency vet clinics suffering from parvovirus, leaving their owners with vets bills of up to £2000.

Upon further investigation, Marc found that the animals were coming from a local puppy farm. He said: "I found that these people were really good at coming up with answers people would believe.

Feeling frustrated at how difficult puppy and kitten farming is to police, Marc launched Pup Aid, which aims to empower the public with knowledge, and he soon discovered the value of the media in raising awareness.

Explaining the focus of the e-petition and Pup Aid, Marc says: "Stop the supply, stop the demand and you stop puppy farming."

As well as a campaign, Pup Aid is also a free annual event, taking place this year at Primrose Hill in London on September 7. As well as music, food, fun and celebrity judges, the event includes a parade of ex-breeding bitches who are currently undergoing rehabilitation.

After launching three weeks ago, the petition has already received 30,000 signatures, but needs 100,000 before the issue can be brought before parliament.

For more information, visit the Pup Aid website, or click here to sign the petition.

 

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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.