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Charity issues car boot sale warning

Public urged not to buy pets from car boot sale traders

Animal charity FOUR PAWS has voiced concerns over puppies and kittens being sold at car boot sales and is urging members of the public not to buy them.



The charity has advised people who have seen pets for sale by car boot sale traders to contact their local authority with details including the location, time, how many animals are for sale and details of the seller.

FOUR PAWS has advised that potential owners visit a reputable animal shelter rather than choosing an unscrupulous breeder, warning of health and behavioural problems that are the result of irresponsible breeding.

Angelique Davies from FOUR PAWS urged would-be pet owners: "Please avoid buying puppies and kittens at all costs from car boot sales, newspapers and adverts online.

"You may think you are rescuing the animal from a hard life but all you will really be doing is fuelling the trade and causing more puppies and kittens to suffer in the future."

Image courtesy of Vier Pfoten, FOUR PAWS

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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.