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Rottweiler cross crowned Best Battersea Dog
Barney
Barney was so terrified of people who would cower at the back of his kennel.

Formerly terrified of people, Barney has overcome his fears with a loving new family

After an unlucky start in life, Rottweiler cross Barney has become this year's Best Battersea Dog. Once petrified of strangers, the loveable cross is now brimming with confidence.

Barney first arrived at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011. He was so terrified of new people that he would cower in the back of his kennel, too frightened to go anywhere near people, particularly men.

Known at the time as Benny, he appeared on the hit ITV show, Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs, and would even hide away from Paul himself.

Barney was initially rehomed but then brought back two days later as his owners decided he was too big for their home.

Battersea staff had to work hard to gain his trust and eventually they found him a new home with the perfect owners, the Tuckwell family from Welling in Kent.

Today, thanks to the patience and love of both Battersea staff and his new family, Barney is a different dog.

Barney's owner Ian says: "I can’t put it into words how happy I’m feeling about Barney winning Best Battersea Dog. He was just so terrified of the world and now he’s a different dog to the one I first met in kennels. He’s come such a long way and I’m really proud of him. He truly is a Battersea success story.

Barney stole the hearts of the judges at the charity's twentieth annual reunion fun day this month and is now an "Ambassadog", taking his place with previous winners of the Best Battersea Dog title.

Rob Young, Battersea's head of rehoming, said: "A dog like Barney really deserves this recognition as he’s made such a huge transformation from the dog we first knew in our kennels.

"t just shows you that with some training and a lot of love, a dog can change from being really scared to self-assured. Everyone at Battersea is so proud of Barney and his family, they’ve done such an incredible job with him."

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.