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Rehomed pig delivers surprise for new owners
Pifgs
Charlotte gave birth to a litter of seven pigs.

Crossbreed Charlotte gives birth to seven piglets 

A pig which was rescued and re-homed after she was discovered roaming the fields of Middlesborough, has surprised her new owners by giving birth to seven piglets.

Charlotte, a small crossbreed, was found by RSPCA officers earlier this year following reports of a 'mysterious, dark beast' wandering around countryside.

After a member of the public confirmed seeing a small black pig, RSPCA officers attended, but Charlotte had already vanished.

Finally, after another caller reported that a pig was in his garden, deputy chief inspector John Lawson attended the property and collected the animal.

Inspector Lawson said: “Charlotte was very friendly so we were sure she had been somebody’s pet previously. After we took her to a boarding farm to be cared for, nobody came forward to claim her, so we found a lovely new home where she settled in quickly.

“She proved difficult to catch, maybe because she felt particularly vulnerable due to her pregnant state, although we did not realise this at the time.

“The new owners said Charlotte settled in straight away; they even discovered she likes to play with a football. But they became concerned recently when they noticed her teats had become enlarged.

“We are delighted to hear that she is not only well, but that she has had a healthy litter of piglets. We will be keeping in touch with the new owners and look forward to hearing about her progress.” 

Image (C) RSPCA

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.