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MPs to visit greyhound track
greyhound
A key concern is a lack of transparency in this self-regulated industry.
Greyhound welfare inquiry gathers pace
 
MPs are set to visit the Crayford Greyhound Track tomorrow (1 Dec) as part of an inquiry into the welfare of racing greyhounds.

An Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) sub-committee will take a tour of the site and speak to track managers and trainers about track safety and how dogs are kennelled and transported.

MPs will also meet with track vets to discuss common injuries, diseases and preventative treatments.

Efra Committee chair Neil Parish, said: "We are very pleased to be visiting Crayford Track, to personally see the efforts being made by industry professionals at all levels to ensure that the well-being of the animals is paramount.

"Our visit will provide first-hand experience of the industry and a chance to speak with industry professionals about some of the issues already raised in the written evidence.

"This information will support the sub-committee in our current inquiry into greyhound welfare and the suitability of existing regulations."

So far, a call for evidence has received "an overwhelming response", according to Mr Parish. Written evidence has been supplied by the Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and the Greyhound Forum, as well as retired greyhound owners and those working in the industry.

The first hearing with animal welfare charities was held on 24 November.

A key concern is a lack of transparency in this self-regulated industry. It is estimated about 4,000 retired greyhounds are unaccounted for each year and there are no official figures on the number of deaths or injuries, for example. A number of animal welfare charities say their requests for these figures have proved unsuccessful.

Other concerns include the breeding of more greyhound puppies than the industry requires and the lack of traceability from cradle-to-grave.

For more information, visit: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/inquiries/parliament-2015/greyhound-welfare-15-16/

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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.