Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th December 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

BVA condemns "heart-breaking" figures for unclaimed dogs
Puppy in cage
Almost 400 abandoned dogs have been put down in the past four years.
One in nine dogs found by local authorities in Scotland are put down if not claimed

The BVA has condemned figures released by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie that reveal one in nine dogs found by local authorities in Scotland are put down if not claimed.

The BVA are now calling for microchipping to be introduced to Scotland as a matter of urgency to help lost pets to be reunited with their owners.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats obtained the figures through a freedom of information request. The figures reveal that local authorities have found over 12,500 lost or abandoned dogs in the past four years. Of these, over 3,200 were re-homed and almost 400 were put down.

BVA President John Blackwell said: “The euthanasia of healthy dogs is heart-breaking and unfortunate. Although we recognise the pressure on local authorities’ resources, every step should be taken to reunite pets with owners and to re-home healthy animals. Euthanasia should not be a routine way of processing abandoned animals.

“We are pleased to see that almost 8,000 dogs were reunited with their owners last year and we suspect that many of these reunions would be due to the fact that owners had their pets microchipped. The Scottish government should introduce compulsory microchipping as a matter of urgency, such as that being introduced in 2015 and 2016 in Wales and England. Owners should ensure that their contact details are always kept up to date and this allows loved pets to be traced back to them and reunited. This can only be a good thing for animals, owners and wider society.”

Ronnie Soutar BVA Scottish Branch President said: “I know from working and living in Scotland how dear dogs are to the people of this nation and I will not be alone in being dismayed by these figures released today. We all need to work together – owners, the Scottish government, local authorities and animal welfare groups – to make sure how we treat these unclaimed dogs is a true reflection of Scotland’s commitment to animal welfare.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.