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Dogs Trust calls for Domestic Abuse Bill to include pets
Many refuges do not accept pets, which can act as a barrier to those attempting to flee abuse. (Stock photo)
Perpetrators ‘use pets to maintain power and control’

The Dogs Trust is calling for pet abuse to be included in a new Domestic Abuse Bill when it returns to parliament.

Last week the Joint Committee published a report on the draft Bill, calling for it to be amended to give greater protection to domestic abuse victims, and well as tailoring the response to each individual’s differing needs.

The Dogs Trust welcomed the report but said it was disappointed that it did not mention pet abuse, which evidence has shown is linked to human abuse.

Through its work on the Freedom Project, which offers a fostering service for the dogs of those fleeing domestic abuse, the charity said it knows many perpetrators use a survivor’s pet as a means to maintain power and control.

In addition, many refuges do not accept pets, which can act as a barrier to those attempting to flee abuse.

The Dogs Trust said it will continue to campaign for the bill to include perpetrators’ behaviour towards pets. 

 

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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.