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Wales to introduce tighter dog breeding rules
puppies
The new law applies to breeders who keep more than three breeding bitches.
New regulations will come into force this month

Dog breeders in Wales have just three weeks to ensure they meet stricter animal welfare criteria, which comes into force on 30 April.

The new law applies to breeders who keep more than three breeding bitches. Among other requirements, they must ensure a minimum staff ratio of one attendant for every 20 adult dogs.

Breeders must also create socialisation plans for puppies, as well as enhancement and enrichment programmes for all dogs under their care.

Rebecca Evans, the Welsh deputy minister for farming and food, said: "There has been increasing public concern in recent years over the way in which some dogs are bred in Wales, including in licensed premises."

The new regulations aim to raise dog breeding standards and help to eradicate irresponsible practices.

Commenting on the changes, the chief veterinary officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, said: "The importance of appropriate socialisation of a puppy cannot be underestimated. The experiences a puppy goes through between three and 14 weeks will have a lasting impact on its behaviour in later life.

"These regulations acknowledge the key role breeders play in helping every puppy in their care go on to become good a good family pet."

The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 will replace the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 in Wales.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.