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New website defends Staffies
Nick Freeman with his one-year-old Staffie, George

Top lawyer aims to change public perception

A website has been launched by one of the country's top lawyers, Nick Freeman, in an attempt to address negative public perceptions of Staffordshire bull terriers.

Having been a Staffie owner for nearly 20 years, Mr Freeman aims to re-educate the public and the media by demonstrating the positive qualities of the Staffie.

He says: "The dog has attracted negative media attention for many years and is commonly associated with gangland drug-dealing thugs and attacks on people and other animals.

"I feel that there is so much within this breed that is good that hitherto has been artfully concealed from the public, which in turn, has created a massive problem for this loyal animal."

Mr Freeman fears that negative opinions of the breed could lead to ownership being pushed "further underground, which will lead to the breed being used solely and exclusively for illegal purposes."

Save the Staffy website includes information on the history of the breed, caring for Staffies, dogs and the law and links to useful resources.

Facebook and Twitter pages have also been created to promote the campaign, and allow a forum for Staffie owners to share photos and videos of their pets.

To find out more, visit the Save the Staffy website, Facebook and Twitter pages. 

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.