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More than a quarter of owners leave their dog in the car
Image dog ice sculpture
The Dogs Trust has launched a video featuring a melting dog ice sculpture, to raise awareness of the risks of leaving dogs in cars.
Worrying new statistics revealed as charity strives to raise awareness

More than a quarter of UK dog owners admit to leaving their dog in the car, the Dogs Trust reveals.

In a recent survey of 2,000 dog owners, the charity reports nearly half (48 per cent) incorrectly believed it was safe to leave a dog in the car if counter measures were taken, such as parking in shade or opening the window.

Despite this, more than one in 10 people said they knew a dog that had come to harm as a result of being left in a parked car in hot weather.

Paula Boyden, the charity's veterinary director, said: "We claim to be a nation of dog lovers, but it’s shocking how many people are willing to put man’s best friend in serious danger.

"As soon as the car doors are shut the countdown begins - which could potentially end in an agonising death for the dog. Our message is simple: don’t leave your dog in a parked car."

In addition to these findings, the AA has revealed it has seen a 50 per cent increase in the number of call outs to rescue dogs trapped in locked cars over the past six years. Most commonly, the company's patrols are called out by owners who have accidentally locked their keys in the car with their pet.

Since the start of April this year, the AA has been called out to 150 cases where a pet has been locked in the car.

The company's patrol of the year Mark Spowage commented: "The dangers are obvious; you just have to touch the dashboard or seats to know how hot the inside of a car can get. But it's not just on warm days when dogs are at risk – vehicles can be death-traps even in cooler temperatures."

In response to the findings, the Dogs Trust has launched a hard-hitting campaign to warn dog owners of the risks of leaving their pets in parked cars.

As well as issuing guidance to concerned animal lovers and pet owners, the charity has created a time-lapse video, featuring a melting dog-shaped ice sculpture locked in a car.

Visit Youtube to view the campaign video

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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.