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One special rescue dog set to meet the Queen
Battersea dog with crown
Anyone who has adopted a Battersea dog can enter by tweeting a photo or video of their pooch to @BDCH.

A royal occasion to celebrate Battersea's new kennels

Her Majesty the Queen is set to open Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's new kennels this month. To celebrate this grand occasion, one former rescue dog and their owner will be returning to the home for the royal visit.

Nearly a year ago, the charity vowed to replace its old Victorian kennels with £1.9 million state-of-the-art facilities. Having first opened its doors more than 150 years ago, Battersea wanted to bring its kennels into the 21st century.

Her Majesty has been the charity's royal patron since May 18, 1956. She will officially open the new kennels on March 17 and during her visit, one very special rescue dog will be able to meet her.

Claire Horton, Battersea's chief executive said: "What Battersea dog owner wouldn’t want their pet to see The Queen?

"At Battersea we pride ourselves on giving a second chance of happiness to thousands of dogs every year, and now we can offer one outstanding former resident the extraordinary experience of joining us to greet our royal patron."

Anyone who has adopted a Battersea dog can enter by sending a photo or video of their pooch to the charity's Twitter page (@BDCH) with the hashtag #Maamsbestfriend. Proud owners can be as creative as they like with their entries.

The competition will run until Friday, March 6 and the winning dog will be notified on March 12, so they can prepare for their royal appointment.

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & 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.