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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th August 2013
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Website launched to tackle puppy trading

Online platform to raise awareness of illegal puppy farming

Animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is launching an interactive online platform to raise awareness of the illegal puppy trade, and provide a tool for duped buyers to share their experiences.


With a booming illegal trade in puppies, thousands are sold under false pretences on the internet, in pet shops and in public spaces, having been bred in poor conditions and separated from their mothers too early.

Birgitt Theismann, a companion animal expert at FOUR PAWS, says: “Our main goal is to reduce the demand for cheap pedigree puppies from dubious sources and to stop the activity of illegal traders.

"With the help of concerned dog buyers we wish to gather more research, expose traders and support our demands for changes to the law”.

The charity is calling for an EU-wide regulation for all dogs to be microchipped, vaccinated and registered. Initially, the website will be launched in the UK, Gemany and Austria.

Thiessman adds: “In special cases we will contact the concerned parties, in order to get more information regarding the case. However, because we cannot follow up on every case, we are asking concerned dog owners to collect all the necessary information and hand it in at their local responsible authority."

Click here to find out more about the FOUR PAWS initiative.

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.