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Road signs to highlight dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars
Newport West Assembly Member Jane Bryant and RSPCA public affairs manager Paul Smith.

RSPCA hails move as ‘great news for dogs’ 

Electronic road signs in Wales will soon display messages to motorists highlighting the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars.

Welsh transport secretary Ken Skates said in a letter that he 'wholeheartedly supports' the conveyed message, and 'owing to the severity of the issue' will ensure that Variable Message Signs (VMS) in Wales will soon present bilingual warnings about the risk to canines of being left in hot vehicles.

He has proposed signs across Wales say: CEIR POETH YN LLADD CWN/DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS.

The move follows a campaign by RSPCA Cymru and Newport West Assembly Member Jane Bryant, who marked the announcement on Glasllwch Lane motorway bridge, Newport, on Thursday (4 October).

Jayne Bryant AM commented: “I’m really pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has listened to concerns raised by people across the county. Following some of the hot weather we had this summer it would have been fatal for any dogs left in cars.
Owners who do this often do it without thinking. Awareness raising measures are extremely important.”

RSPCA public affairs manager Paul Smith added: “This is great news for dogs, and a campaign success for the RSPCA that we think will have a big impact on canine welfare, and public understanding of a serious, potential animal welfare problem."

RSPCA Cymru says that it is inundated with calls each year about dogs left alone in hot vehicles. Figures released by the charity show that 29 per cent of dog owners still think it is acceptable to leave a dog in a car on a warm day.

"The dangers can be fatal and it is our simple message that ‘not long is too long’ for a dog in a hot car," Mr Smith continued.

“It’s fantastic that the Welsh Government are eager to take action on this matter, support this campaign, and spread the message to a big audience of motorists, and passengers, that dogs can die in hot cars. We’re also very grateful to Jane Bryant AM for supporting this idea, and ensuring those travelling by car in Newport, South Wales and beyond see this potentially life-saving message for dogs.”

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.