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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 20th December 2013
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RSPCA braces itself for a busy Christmas

Charity received 833 calls about neglect and cruelty last year.

The RSPCA is anticipating a busy festive period this year after dealing with an increased number of calls about cruelty and neglect during Christmas last year.

In 2012, 2,087 calls were answered by the RSPCA’s 24-hour call handling team over the three-day period, passing on information to inspectors and giving advice to callers.

Staff were especially busy answering calls on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day last year. In total they received 833 calls about neglect and cruelty during the festive season, 413 on Christmas Eve, 144 on Christmas Day and 276 on Boxing Day. These figures are up by 53 per cent compared to the same period in 2011.

Calls to collect injured and abandoned animals were also up by about a third (32 per cent) from 584 in 2011 to 769 in 2012. Calls last year included a kitten stuck in a car engine, rabbits dumped in a hutch in a park and a dog being punched and kicked.

Last year 39 animals were taken in after being dumped by their owners. One included a Lhasa Apso dog found on Christmas Eve soaking wet and cold chained to a barbed wire fence.

Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspector, said: “We are ready for a busy time. Last year the number of calls about animals which needed our help was significantly higher than the year before. Christmas Eve seems to be the busiest day of the three.
 
“While families are enjoying their Christmas dinner our inspectors could be wading across waterlogged fields to check horses and livestock, taking an injured swan to a wildlife hospital or investigating calls about cruelty to pets. Just because it’s Christmas, our work doesn’t stop.”

 

 

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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.