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Battersea pair travel 426 miles to their new home
Andrea
Andrea with Chihuahuas Annie and Clyde.

A pair of inseparable Chihuahuas are settling into their new home in Scotland 

Two smooth-haired Chihuahuas from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have found themselves a new home in Falkirk - 426 miles away from the charity's centre in London.

Andrea Downie took an 852-mile round trip from Falkirk to London to rehome the inseparable pair, Annie and Clyde, after spotting them on the Battersea website. They are now settling into their new home, with Andrea's other dogs, another Chihuahua called Pixie and a Pomeranian called Poppy.

Andrea said: “I looked at Battersea’s website on a whim and fell in love with Annie and Clyde immediately. My friends said I was crazy but to hell with it – I knew I could give them a loving home. So I booked the next day off work, flew to London from Edinburgh, and spent the afternoon with the dogs.

“I’d seen the Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs series on ITV but never been to Battersea before – it was quite a whirlwind trip! I knew the dogs were perfect as soon as I met them in person, so then it was just a matter of a hire car and the seven hour drive back to Falkirk."

Andrea reports that the dogs have settled in well. Clyde is very popular with his female companions and is often seen snuggled up with them.

Dee McIntosh, director of communications at Battersea, said: “It’s fantastic that people from all over the UK and particularly Scotland, think of Battersea when they want to rehome a rescue dog. It tells us there’s something special about a Battersea dog and we really appreciate that so many people want to make the trip to our famous London centre…
 
"We take a lot of care to match our dogs with their future owners and we were confident Andrea could offer Annie and Clyde their perfect home.”

 

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and 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.