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Lucky animals saved in Cumbrian floods
RSPCA rescue teams
Trained specialists from the RSPCA have so far rescued 36 people and 22 animals.

Rescue teams contend with extremely dangerous conditions

RSPCA rescue teams have been working hard to save animals and people from the severe flooding caused by Storm Desmond.

Trained specialists from the animal charity have so far rescued 36 people and 22 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits and chickens.

Among them was a semi-conscious elderly man who had to be stretchered out of his nursing home in Carlisle and transported on an RSPCA boat, before he was taken to hospital.

The RSPCA say that they have received 77 calls about flooding incidents since last Friday. Twenty flood trained officers from across England and Wales travelled to join their colleagues in Cumbria and Northumberland to assist in the ongoing rescue operation.

Inspector Ben Strangwood, who has coordinated the RSPCA’s flood response, said: “It has been a huge challenge as the flooding is so widespread across a large geographical area.

“Although the water levels are receding in some areas, elsewhere the water levels are expected to remain quite high which is leaving many roads inaccessible. It is extremely difficult to get around to where we need to be.

“We have received a lot of calls, mainly to help people who have had to leave their animals when they have evacuated their homes. However, we have also had to contend with extremely dangerous conditions and fast flowing water.”

As well as the RSPCA, members of the fire service also came to the aid of animals in peril.  One very lucky sheep found himself in trouble as water began to pour into his field. Thankfully his rescuers were able to lift him out and chauffeur him back to safety in a dinghy.

Meanwhile in Ireland, a donkey wandered into flood waters after strong winds blew down his shed and the gate of his paddock.

Animal Heaven Animal Rescue put out a message on their Facebook page asking for help to rescue the donkey after its owner contacted the charity.

Fortunately rowing club coach Mike Fleming came to the rescue with a boat. The charity has named the donkey Mike in his honour.

Image (C) RSPCA

 

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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.