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Rescued cocker spaniel trains as an assistance dog
Mollie and Kyle
Neglected dog helps a young boy with cerebral palsy

A cocker spaniel named Mollie has been adopted by a family who are training her to become an assistance dog for their 10-year-old son Kyle, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Five-year-old Mollie was rescued from a life of neglect by Cocker and English Springer Spaniel Rescue (CAESSR), which was recently awarded a grant of £3000 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.

After Kyle’s mother Sarah was advised that Kyle was too young to be a priority for a specially trained assistance dog, it was suggested that she train a dog herself to provide Kyle with the support he needed.

Sarah contacted CAESSR after being told that a five-year-old Cocker Spaniel would be the most suitable dog and spent time discussing Kyle’s needs before being put on the waiting list. Once Mollie was rescued, it was clear she would make a good partner for Kyle.
 
Kyle also suffers from visual impairment and learning difficulties, and so Mollie also helps him to pick up items and encourages him to use his arm muscles by playing games. Kyle said: "Mollie is my best friend and I am already teaching her how to fetch."

Kyle and Mollie are now helping each other, whilst Sarah has undertaken an online training programme in order to train Mollie to work as an assistance dog.

Sarah said: "The bond between Kyle and Mollie is very strong and they go everywhere they can together."

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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.