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Children's authors back Kennel Club initiative
As part of National Literacy Week, children's authors have backed the Kennel Club Bark and Read scheme.
As part of National Literacy Week, children's authors have backed the Kennel Club Bark and Read scheme.

Reading to dogs scheme aims to boost children's literacy and self confidence

Children's authors Anna Wilson, Andrew Cope and Viviane Schwarz are supporting a Kennel Club scheme that encourages youngsters to read to their dogs.

The Bark and Read Foundation is aimed to boost literacy and improve children's self confidence.

This week is National Storytelling Week (February 1 to February 8) and as part of this The Kennel Club has asked schools taking part in the Bark and Read scheme, to let children chose their favourite books to read to their canine friend.

It comes as a survey by the National Literacy Trust found that only a quarter of children read in their spare time, and one in five said they were embarrassed to be seen reading.

Anna Wilson, author of The Smug Pug and Pup Idol, said: "Reading aloud and storytelling have always been very important to me. As an author, I go into schools and see how reading stories can help build confidence and improve literacy skills.

"Reading to dogs is a fantastic, innovative idea – it will help boost the confidence of children who are nervous of reading aloud in front of a class, for example, and will encourage a lifelong love of books and reading, I'm sure.

"I frequently read to my own dog when I am trying out new passages of writing, so I can highly recommend it."

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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.