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Appeal to raise funds for rescued circus animals
Kimba is one of the three lions rescued by Animal Defenders International.

Three lions saved after Guatemala circus ban 

Animal Defenders International (ADI) has launched an appeal to raise funds for the rescue of circus animals in Guatemala.

The appeal comes in response to Guatemala’s ban on the use of circus animals, which came into force in April 2018. Circuses were given 12 months to relocate their animals, yet many animals remain, including monkeys, lions, tigers and pumas.

ADI has already rescued three lions - Sasha, Nena and Kimba - from one zoo and is now working with authorities to remove two lions and nine tigers from a second.  

The animals will be cared for in temporary units until ADI has completed the documents and permits needed to take them to their ‘forever homes’. This process could take many months, after which the lions will move to a sanctuary in South Africa whilst the tigers will relocate to various sanctuaries in the USA.

ADI said that money raised from the appeal will be used to build holding units and to feed, care for and treat the rescued animals until their relocation.

“Sasha, Nena, and Kimba will no longer suffer in the circus and a new life awaits them in Africa,” said ADI President Jan Creamer. “With many more animals in desperate need of our help, we need the support of the public to save them all.”

ADI has rescued hundreds of animals across the globe, including more than 60 lions and tigers from circuses in Latin America. The organisation is also providing food, care and veterianry treatment for animals afftected by the Fuego volcano eruption.

To make a donation towards the appeal, visit http://bit.ly/Guatemala-Appeal-UK

Image (C) Animal Defenders International

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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.