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Bookies must contribute more to protect greyhounds, say MPs
Greyhounds
Dogs Trust said that the recommendations outlined in the report were ‘a positive step for greyhound welfare.’
Government urged to introduce compulsory levy

Bookmakers should do more to protect racing dogs and should not prioritise profit over welfare standards, a report on greyhound welfare has concluded.

Bookmakers’ voluntary welfare contributions to the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) have fallen by almost 50 per cent over the last decade.

In their report, MPs said that the Government should consider imposing a compulsory levy after hearing that profits from online and overseas betting were not included in contributions.

Neil Parish MP, chairman of the Committee, said: "All racing greyhounds should enjoy high welfare standards both during their racing career and retirement. Bookmakers who profit from greyhound racing should contribute to welfare standards regardless of whether the profits are from high-street stores, online or overseas betting.

“The welfare of racing greyhounds shouldn’t be at the whim of bookmakers who can simply choose to contribute or not. The Government should consider introducing a statutory levy or an alternative betting rights model to protect animal welfare."

Welcoming the news, Dogs Trust said that the recommendations outlined in the report were ‘a positive step for greyhound welfare.’

A spokesperson commented: “In light of the popularity of the sport and the significant turnover it generates the charity welcome the report’s onus on bookmakers who profit from greyhound racing to contribute financially to improving welfare standards.

“Currently some, but not all, bookmakers pay a voluntary levy for greyhound welfare and so we welcome the recommendation for this levy to be made statutory. Fortunately, EFRA have also echoed Dogs Trust’s own concerns surrounding the self-regulation of the industry and recommended a probationary period of two years continued self-regulation.”

The report also recommends that regulations are amended to require the publication of essential welfare data relating to injury, euthanasia and rehoming.

Dogs Trust estimate that around 3,500 greyhounds are unaccounted for every year in the UK, but as statistics are not published by the industry, the true extent of the problem is difficult to assess.

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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.