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Man takes huskies on a trek to Dorset
Keath and his huskies
Keath and his pet huskies will trek 217 miles to their new home to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Manchester man will undertake 217-mile journey for charity

A Manchester man has chosen an unusual way to move home - by undertaking a 217-mile husky trek to Dorset to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Keath Armstrong is trekking with his three pet Siberian huskies Sakari, Nukka and Nala from his old flat in the Crumpsall area of the city to his new home in Bournemouth and will be passing through Lancashire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Birmingham, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset on route.

The huskies are towing a sled, carrying 32-year-old Keath's tent and their food, and are helping him raise money for the trust during the journey as they stop off at various towns, cities and villages - including Congleton, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, West Bromwich, Selly Oak, Redditch, Alcester, Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Swindon, Salisbury and Poole - on the walk to Bournemouth.

Keath was friends with brothers Carl and Richard Jones who both died from cystic fibrosis, a disease that slowly destroys the lungs and digestive system and directly affects around 10,000 people in the UK. Carl died in 2006 aged 20 and Richard – Keath’s best friend - died in 2013, aged 30.

Keath, whose walk is currently in progress, says: “I grew up with Richard in Dorset and now I’m moving back I wanted to do something challenging and different to make more people aware of cystic fibrosis and raise as much money as possible.

"Richard and Carl were brilliant, you couldn’t fault their outlook on life and despite everything they had to put up they were always there for other people. I’m aiming to walk 24 miles a day...but it will depend on the weather – if it’s too hot, the huskies will need to slow down a bit.”

To support Keath, Sakari, Nukka and Nula's trek visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/keatharmstrong

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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...
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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.