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Charity worried by rise in 'designer' dog rescues
puggle
The number of unwanted crossbreeds and fashionable or 'designer' dogs taken in by the charity is climbing.
Demand for certain breeds could fuel the puppy trade

The RSPCA says it has seen a 'worrying rise' in the number of fashionable, designer dog breeds coming into its centres. Increasing demand for certain breeds is feared to be fuelling the puppy farm trade.

Overall the number of dogs coming into the charity's centres has fallen in recent years - from 3,131 in 2012, to 2,600 last year.

Even typically common rescue breeds, such as Staffordshire bull terriers, lurchers and Jack Russells, are on the decline.

But the number of unwanted crossbreeds and fashionable or 'designer' dogs taken in by the charity is climbing. In 2012, the charity only took in two bichon frise crosses, but last year this figure rose to 22.

Chihuahua crosses needing the charity's shelter also rose from two to 21 in the same period, while pug crosses climbed from six to 14.

The charity has seen fluctuations in husky type breeds over the past few years, thought to be the result of culture trends such as the Twilight films and Games of Thrones series.

The concern is that as responsible breeders cannot keep up with the demand for certain breeds, prospective dogs owners naively turn to puppy farmers, all too often purchasing dogs with health and behavioural problems which end up in the care of charities like the RSPCA.

In October 2015 the RSPCA launched its Scrap the Puppy Trade campaign which aims to tackle irresponsible breeders, traders and importers selling dogs in the UK.

Image © 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.