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Charity creates anti-stress garden

Rescue animals enjoy sensory and enrichment area

A dog and cat rescue centre in Bath has introduced a revolutionary approach to animal welfare with a new sensory and enrichment garden.

Spearheaded by Bath Cats and Dogs Home, the project aims to improve confidence and reduce the stress levels of the animal residents.

The garden contains 27 different textured surfaces, based on Tellington Touch principles, as well as carefully chosen medicinal plants for self-selection.

Leader of the project, Steve Hill, who is the home's head of behaviour and welfare, explains: "We get a wide range of dogs in desperate need of help, some of which find it hard to cope in kennels…

"This 360º approach to animal behaviour and welfare is revolutionary; encouraging natural behaviours and allowing our dogs to self-select and de-stress will effectively show them in a much more favourable and relaxed light and will also ensure a speedier rehoming process."

Other features of the garden include a willow igloo, bamboo forest, interactive highline, doggy mound and cave, pond, sandpit, raised platform and green clay wallowing pit.

The innovative new project launches this week, and has been supported by local businesses, individuals and volunteers who helped to build the garden. 

Image courtesy of Bath Cats and Dogs Home

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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.