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First veterinary forensics service launches
This collaboration brings together experts from the veterinary sphere, and specialists working in forensics in the UK’s human criminal justice system.
Vets to work with experts in the human justice system

A new veterinary forensics service will see experts in animal diagnostics working alongside specialists in the human criminal justice system. The aim is to improve prosecution rates for crimes against animals.

The service, which is the first of its kind, is the result of a unique partnership between the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine, and the company ArroGen Forensics.

Currently, lack of veterinary forensic evidence sometimes means cases do not proceed to prosecution, or prosecutions are unsuccessful. The newly-formed ArroGen Veterinary Forensics service will provide enforcement agencies such as the RSPCA or UK police forces with evidence gathered by its experts in veterinary forensics. It is hoped this could provide the missing link in their investigations.

This collaboration brings together experts from the veterinary sphere, and specialists working in forensics in the UK’s human criminal justice system.

Dr Jo Millington, scientific director at ArroGen Veterinary Forensics, commented: “Why not apply the same principles to the investigation of animal crime?

“By harnessing our collective knowledge of forensic and animal science we are simply building on our existing infrastructure and experience as human medico-legal practitioners to offer a novel and focussed integrated animal forensics service.”

A second key objective of the service, is to disrupt crime patterns by developing a strong social justice agenda.

Surrey’s Dr Alex Stoll explained: “It is becoming increasingly well documented that animal cruelty can be used as a component part of domestic violence and there is a growing body of evidence to indicate that people who harm animals are more likely to abuse humans.

"We want to work with agencies to address the progression of animal to human criminal behaviour.”

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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. 

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News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."