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Charities respond to 'heartbreaking' article
dog
The RSPCA said the article sends 'a dangerous and very irresponsible message to children'. (stock photo)
Owner admits to getting rid of four dogs in four years
 
Animal charities have responded to a Daily Mail article that prompted outrage among dog lovers. In it, the author Shona Sibary admits: 'I get rid of dogs as soon as they stop being cute puppies'.

She claims to have got rid of four dogs in as many years, for various reasons.

Husky cross Juno was said to have been rehomed in 2012 as he dug in the garden and leaped 6ft fences; Rhodesian ridgeback Albus became aggressive towards other dogs; dachshund Pippa killed pheasants, ducks, doves and a heavily pregnant sheep; and Labrador-collie cross Cookie, with Pippa, killed a breeding ram.

Shona now owns whippet cross cocker spaniel, Clover, who was named by Shona's young daughter.

Some have questioned the truth of the article, however, as it contradicts a previous article Shona wrote for the Daily Mail in 2012: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081502/Stray-dogs-There-345-day-hard-dog-loving-home.html

The RSPCA called her latest article 'heartbreaking', saying it sends 'a dangerous and very irresponsible message to children'.

The Dogs Trust, however, urged animal lovers to 'harness the outrage this article has prompted and turn it unto something positive for dogs'.

In a statement, the charity said: 'We urge everyone who has been angered, appalled or disgusted by her attitude to visit our rehoming website, sponsor one of our dogs, volunteer or make sure everyone you know who is thinking of getting a dog, thinks Rescue First.'

The charity has invited Shona, her family and the Daily Mail, to visit one of its 20 rehoming centres. Its training and behaviour team are keen to show her the damaging impact of early abandonment on some dogs.

Taking a similar approach, the Kennel Club said the article is a good example of 'what not to do' - pointing out that Shona buys breeds that do not fit her lifestyle, from irresponsible breeders and does not see the litter with their mother.

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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.