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Rescue Akita sniffs out abandoned dog
Foxy

Battersea's longest-stay resident is the heroine of the hour

A one-year-old Akita from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home became a canine heroine after sniffing out an abandoned great Dane cross just hours from death.

Battersea's secret superhero, Foxy, was on her daily walk when she barked to alert her handler to the severely emaciated dog, which had been abandoned in a ditch near the Old Windsor centre.

The nine-month-old great Dane cross was quickly taken to Battersea's clinic for emergency medical attention. She weighed just 16kg, less than half her recommended weight.

Nursing her back to health, staff named the abandoned dog Faith, watching her weight climb to a fighting fit 23kg in a month.

Just 30 days after she was discovered an inch from death, Faith was rehomed and is now enjoying life with her new owner, Annie Gravett from Battle in East Sussex.

Kaye Mughal, centre manager at Old Windsor, said: "Faith was one of the thinnest dogs we’ve ever seen at Battersea and it was definitely touch and go for a while. It’s amazing to think that if Foxy hadn’t found her hidden in the ditch she may still be there now. Instead, Faith is enjoying her new life with a loving family where she rightfully belongs."

Saviour Foxy, on the other hand, is Battersea's longest-stay resident, having been at the Old Windsor centre since February when her owners were moving home and could not take her with them.

Staff at Battersea say the young heroine has shown high intelligence and already has good training in place to help her develop into a loyal and rewarding companion for the right owner.

Kaye added: "We really hope Foxy can have the same happy ending [as Faith] because she deserves it so much, especially as she's been in kennels for almost half her life and has now saved another dog's life."

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

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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.