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Pet bereavement leave petition gains more than 9,000 signatures
Emma told her manager that she could not go into work because she was “physically sick” with grief.

Worker dismissed after the sudden death of her dog 

A petition to allow workers to take bereavement leave from work after the death of a family pet has received more than 9,000 signatures. 


The petition was started by Emma McNulty from Glasgow, who said she was “too devastated” to work after the sudden death of her dog, Millie.  


Emma told her manager that she could not go into work because she was “physically sick” with grief. But she was subsequently sent messages informing her that she must find cover or risk losing her job altogether.

Emma said that she did not go into work that day and was later dismissed. Writing on the Change.org petition, Emma said:


“I think it’s disgusting how some company’s think it’s acceptable to treat someone in this way with no remorse, a family pet (in my case my dog) has just as much importance as a human family member.

“It’s time company’s [sic] acknowledged this and give people the time they need to grieve with no worry of loosing [sic] their job.”

At the time of writing, Emma’s petition had gained 9,663 signatures of its 10,000 target. 

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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.