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Uncertain future for working dog rescue
german shepherd dog
Bravo Working Dog Rescue helps to resettle retired police, MOD and security dogs.

Centre faces closure in the new year without funding

A rescue centre for retired working dogs from the police, Ministry of Defence and security industries is facing an uncertain future due to funding problems.

Bravo Working Dog Rescue has launched a crowd funding drive to raise £5,000. Without these funds, the centre says it will be forced to close in the new year, putting the lives of hundreds of working dogs in jeopardy.

Animal behaviourist Debbie Connolly founded the rescue centre in 2012 as she was saddened by the fact that in the previous 10 years, over 800 military dogs were euthanised when their working lives ended.

The centre's work is financed by donations, fundraising and profits from Ms Connolly's own paid animal behaviour work. Currently the kennels are filled with rescues which limits the capacity for paid client work.



Over the past 18 months the centre says it has been preparing its site for new kennels to be donated by British Transport Police. But it claims the kennels supplied are not fit for purpose and it will now cost £10,000 to build the planned kennel block.

Initially the centre is hoping to raise £5,000 to avoid closure and build a few of the kennels.

Responding to the charity's claims that it has been 'let down', a spokesperson from British Transport Police said: "British Transport Police purchased a number of kennels in 2012 for use during the London Olympic Games. These were also later used for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland, and the 2014 NATO Summit in Wales.

"After these events, the kennels were deemed surplus to requirements and the decision was made to donate some of the dog kennels to Bravo Working Dog Rescue.  
 
"We are very disappointed to hear that the kennels provided are not to Mrs Connolly’s satisfaction and we would encourage her to contact us to discuss the matter further."

Visit Bravo Working Dog Rescue's JustGiving page here: https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/bravo-dog-rescue-kennels

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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.