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Animal welfare groups condemn footage of performing bear
The bear is the symbol of Russia.
Circus bear claps to fans at Russian football game

Video footage showing a bear performing for fans at a Russian football match has been condemned by animal welfare groups.

In a YouTube clip, the bear can be seen handing over a football to the referee, before standing up on his hind legs and clapping.

According to BBC Sport, the away side claims that the bear was going to be used in the opening ceremony of the World Cup in June. But the sport’s governing body, FIFA, has denied these allegations.

Responding to the video footage, Peta director Elisa Allen said: "In addition to being inhumane and utterly out of touch, using a bear as a captive servant to deliver a football is downright dangerous.

"The bear is the symbol of Russia, so we hope the country's people will show some compassion and national pride and stop abusing them. Common decency should compel the league to pull this stunt."

Four Paws director Bria da Cal added: "While some supposedly find this depressing scene 'entertaining' there is nothing at all light-hearted about this kind of abuse.

"Being chained up, muzzled and forced to perform unnatural acts in front of large, rowdy crowds of people causes tremendous stress and can have an untold impact on these animals, both psychological and physical."

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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.