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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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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'