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Ex-police officer sells house to save charity
Ben with dog Reilly
"I’m now such a part of the furniture that people are surprised when they learn I’m a volunteer – they think it’s my career!"
Ben Wilkes has been named volunteer of the year

An ex-police officer has received an award for his overwhelming dedication as a volunteer for the Border Collie Trust GB.

Ben Wilkes first visited the Staffordshire charity 18 years ago, when he went to donate blankets for the dogs in need. But as soon as he set foot inside the centre, he knew he wanted to do more.

Finally in 2004, the unpaid volunteer took the incredible step of selling his family home and moving into the centre, after the former residents retired.

Ben and his wife are available to care for the dogs 24 hours a day and their duties range from dog collection to DIY.

For his outstanding commitment and hard work, Ben has been named Petplan's Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year 2015.

Commenting on his work at the trust, he says: "Sometimes in life you just happen to be in the right place at the right time – and that was the case with me becoming a volunteer at the Border Collie Trust.

"I’m now such a part of the furniture that people are surprised when they learn I’m a volunteer – they think it’s my career! Rescue work is a very unusual beast in that it can be very unpredictable, but it’s great bringing the police force mentality to the role as it gives me real focus and structure."

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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.