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'Lion's Share' initiative comes under criticism
The fund asks advertisers to contribute a percentage of their media spend for every advert that features an animal.
Campaigners say well-meaning project could increase animal suffering

Animal Defenders International (ADI) is calling on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to reconsider its “well-meaning but ill-conceived” ‘The Lion’s Share’ fund.

Launched in June, the fund asks advertisers to contribute a percentage of their media spend for every advert that features an animal. The funds will be used to support animals and their habitats around the world.

But in a statement on its website, ADI said that the fund could give rise to the use and suffering of wild animals in advertising and that it could hinder conservation efforts:

'With extensive expertise studying the use of animals in the entertainment industry, ADI has shown that the real training, including discipline or abuse of captive animals used for entertainment, tends to occur offset and away from public view,' it said. 'This makes it almost impossible for advertisers to ensure that a performing animal has not suffered during a lifetime of training.

‘With The Lion’s Share encouraging companies to use animals to help threatened species, this is likely to lead to an increase in the suffering of their captive counterparts. Founding member of the initiative Mars has already stated that “We’re not going to be limiting our number of animals; we’re actually going to be increasing".'

ADI is now urging the UNDP, production company FINCH and Mars to turn The Lion’s Share on its head and seek commitments from advertisers who pledge not to use animals.

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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.