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Australia drops charges over Amber Heard
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard
The Hollywood couple have apologised for their actions.

Illegally took dogs into country with husband Johnny Depp
 
An Australian court has dropped charges against actress Amber Heard for illegally taking her dogs into the country.

Ms Heard, who is married to actor Johnny Depp, pleaded guilty to falsifying customs paperwork about her Yorkshire terriers, Pistol and Boo.

But the Queensland judge gave her a one-month good behaviour bond of $1,000 with no conviction and a glowing character assessment.

The Hollywood couple apologised for their actions in a video in which Amber says: “I am truly sorry that Pistol and Boo were not declared, protecting Australia is important.”

When Ms Heard first arrived in Brisbane by private jet last year (21 April) she ticked a box on her passenger arrival card which indicated that she did not have any animals.

The story hit the headlines after the couple visited a local grooming parlour, which subsequently posted a picture on Facebook.

Australia’s agriculture minister warned that the dogs would be euthanised unless they left the country within two days.

The dogs later returned to the US, but the couple were warned that if the case went to court, Amber could face up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine.

Image (C) YouTube/Australian Government of Agriculture and Water Resources.

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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.