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Young boy opens rescue shelter in the Philippines
Ken with Blackie, Brownie and White Puppy
Ken with Blackie, Brownie and White Puppy (Image ©Happy Animals Club).

Nine-year-old Ken hopes to save as many strays from euthanasia as possible

A nine-year-old boy has started a no-kill animal shelter to help stray cats and dogs in the Philippines.

Photos of him feeding strays earlier this year were circulated on the internet and people from all over the world began donating money to help him buy better food and veterinary care.

Ken says: "Ever since I can remember I wanted to open an animal shelter to help the stray dogs and cats on the streets...

"My dad told me it would take a lot of money and 20 years for me to get an animal shelter. He said only grown ups can raise enough money to start an animal shelter."

Ken, however, raised enough money to start the Happy Animals Club and get veterinary care for the three dogs he had been feeding - Blackie, Brownie and White Puppy. "They gained a LOT of weight," he says. "Their open wounds healed, and their fur grew back. They also learned not to be scared of humans."

After raising 66,000 pesos ($1,500), Ken was able to lease a 10,000 square feet lot for a year. He has also bought bamboo huts for the animals. "Everyone expected me to put the dogs in cages but the dogs won't be happy if they are locked up in cages."

The aim of the charity is to save dogs from the city pound, where only about 20-30 per cent are claimed by their owners and the remainder are euthanised.

To find out more about Ken's shelter, visit: http://www.happyanimalsclub.org

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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.