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Petplan suspends automated breeder registration
Petplan said a full review of its registration process is underway but it has made a series of immediate changes.
Steps taken after concerns about puppy farmers

Pet insurer Petplan has suspended the automated registration process for its breeder scheme, and introduced new measures to help ensure the authenticity of breeders.

The move follows a recent Mail On Sunday article that suggested puppy farmers could be using the scheme to lure buyers with four weeks’ free Petplan insurance, which breeders on the scheme are able to offer puppy buyers.

Six journalists said they were able to successfully register for the breeder scheme using false names. The Mail also reported it had learned of at least two cases of criminal puppy farming gangs that were signed up to the scheme.

Petplan said a full review of its registration process is underway but it has made a series of immediate changes, including the suspension of its automated system. Going forward, there will now be a two-stage registration process whereby breeders register their interest online. Full registration will only be confirmed following a telephone conversation with a Petplan representative.

In addition, the company said it now captures additional information from breeders at the point of registration and breeders who expect to breed five litters or more per year are subject to an additional review.

A spokesperson said: “One of Petplan’s key goals is to ensure that the health and welfare of pets is protected at all times, particularly during periods of high vulnerability such as the transition period as a pet leaves the breeder or rehoming centre and settles into its new home.

“Petplan provides four weeks’ free insurance which includes £4,000 veterinary fee cover to help encourage new owners to seek veterinary treatment at the earliest opportunity and to ensure they have financial help available to cover the cost of any unexpected treatment the pet needs.

“Given that this is an unregulated industry, we are taking further steps to help ensure the authenticity of breeders issuing Petplan insurance.”

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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.