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New drinking fountains aim to cut plastic waste in London
Adults in the UK consume around 7.7 billion single-use plastic water bottles a year, many of which end up in rivers and the ocean.
ZSL welcomes commitment to create a ‘refill revolution’

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has unveiled plans to cut plastic use in the city by making water more accessible to the public.

The new proposals include a network of of drinking fountains to allow Londoners to refill their water bottles, rather than throwing them away.

Twenty new drinking fountains will be installed across London as part of a pilot scheme starting in the summer, while a bottle-refilling initiative will see some businesses making tap water available to the public from February.

The move forms part of a £750,000 scheme to cut plastic waste in the capital.

Adults in the UK consume around 7.7 billion single-use plastic water bottles a year, equating to about 150 per person. Many end up in rivers and the ocean, killing marine life.

Sadiq Khan’s announcement has been welcomed by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), which is driving these efforts through the #OneLess alliance.

ZSL director general, Dominic Jermey, commented: “We’re delighted to see this commitment from Mayor of London to increase public access to drinking water and help Londoners switch from wasteful single-use bottled water to refilling…

“As a lead partner in the #OneLess campaign, we’re driving efforts to create a ‘refill revolution’ across the Capital – not least right here on our own doorstep at ZSL London Zoo where we have got rid of all single-use plastic bottles. We look forward to working with Sadiq Khan’s team and our partners to make this exciting vision a reality.”

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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.