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Battersea heroine finally finds a new home
Foxy with new owner Warren Higgs
Warren Higgs visited Foxy every day for two weeks to build her trust.
Akita rehomed after spending more than a year in kennels

Heroic rescue dog Foxy has finally found a new home after spending more than a year with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home - nearly ten times longer than the average stay in kennels.

The young Akita became a Christmas heroine last year after sniffing out a starving dog on her daily walk.

Foxy alerted Battersea staff to the emaciated great Dane cross hours from death. She had been abandoned in a ditch but thanks to Foxy, Battersea staff were able to reach her in time and she has since been rehomed.

The rescue was featured on Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs Christmas special last year.

Her new owner Warren Higgs saw the ITV programme and thought the charity would be overwhelmed with calls about Foxy. However, she had no interest from potential owners. Foxy was at Battersea's Old Windsor site for a staggering 394 days.

Although Mr Higgs and his 12-year-old son wanted to adopt Foxy, one problem stood in their way - Foxy was afraid of men.

Fortunately, the pair were not put off so easily and visited her every single day for two weeks until they earned her trust. They began by taking her for walks and soon Foxy would bound eagerly towards them when they arrived.

Mr Higgs said: "The change in her is incredible. When we first met Foxy she wouldn’t come near us and now she cries when my son leaves to go to school.

"Every day she gets better and better, she loves other dogs and all the children in the neighbourhood. Sebastian absolutely adores her – they go for walks and watch television together. They both give me a reason to get up every morning.
 
"I can’t believe there was no interest in her for over a year and she spent all that time in kennels. I just wish I knew about her sooner and could have taken her home with me before now. She’s an amazing dog, she’s part of our family and we love her to bits."

 

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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.