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Hero Geo's canine courage to be rewarded
Photo credit: Alban Donohoe
Animal welfare charity to bestow bravery honour on hero dog

A DOG that put its own life at risk to save its young owner is to receive a bravery award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Geo, a a German shepherd-collie cross, was out walking in Clacton-on-Sea with his owner Carly and her three children when an out-of-control lorry careered on to the pavement, heading straight for 10-year-old Charlie.

The seven-month-old dog took the full force of the collision as he leapt forward and pushed Charlie out of the path of the lorry, sustaining multiple injuries as a result.

Carly said: “Geo must have sensed it as he leapt up and pushed Charlie out of its path then took the full brunt of the collision himself. He was knocked into the road then hit by the lorry again as the driver left without stopping. We could have all been hit but I am absolutely sure Charlie wouldn’t be here if Geo hadn’t acted the way he did.”

Geo suffered a broken back, shattered legs and damaged lungs in the collision and vets believe his young age and health were vital in helping him pull through. After two weeks in an animal hospital and three major operations, Geo began to recover and, a year on, is a happy and healthy dog, albeit with  a slight limp when its cold and incidents of breathlessness.

The family never considered giving up on Geo despite vet bills totalling £8,000.

"The costs were huge but there was never any question of us not going ahead with the treatment. Geo is a big part of the family, he’s a real hero who has always been protective of the children, but what he did for Charlie is truly amazing and we’re really proud of him."

IFAW UK director Robbie Marsland said: “When we heard the story of Geo’s bravery in protecting Charlie we knew he would be a worthy winner of IFAW’s Animal Bravery Award. It is a fantastic example of the special relationship between people and animals.”

Geo's award will be presented during IFAW's Animal Action Awards, hosted by Baroness Gale and present by TV wildlife guru Bill Oddie at the House of Lords on October 22. Charlie and family will accompany Geo to the ceremony.

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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.