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Well-wishers join dog for last walk in Cornwall
Walnut, who passed away on Saturday morning, pictured with his owner Mark Woods.

Elderly whippet had been suffering from poor health

A dog owner was joined by hundreds of well-wishers on Saturday morning on a final walk for his whippet, Walnut.

Using the hashtag #walkwithwalnut, Newquay resident Mark Woods encouraged people on Twitter to share their last stroll on Porth Beach.

Eighteen-year-old Walnut had been suffering from poor health and has now been euthanised. Writing on Facebook, Mr Woods said the support he had received was ‘incredible’.

Confirming that Walnut had died, Mr Woods wrote: 'Walnut passed away this morning at 11.56am. The family and our three whippets, Monty, Nelson and Charlie, were also in the room. He went very quickly and in my arms. I am writing this post because I owe it to everyone who has supported myself, my family and most importantly Walnut.

'Thank you to the hundreds of people that attended the walk this morning and to all those that had their own walks with their beloved pets at 9.30am all around the world. I also want to thank the wonderful people of Newquay for their support which I will never forget as long as I live.'

Mr Woods and his wife attended church on Sunday morning to say a prayer for Walnut and all those who lost their life in war.

A charity music single, produced overnight by Ethical Record Label, is now on sale with all proceeds being donated to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. 

Image (C) Mark Woods

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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.