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Photography project puts working dogs in the spotlight
Laura Wiggins hopes her work will encourage support for charities

The bond between working dogs and their handlers has been explored in a new photography project by Laura Wiggins, a student at the University of Northampton.


Magic, a diabetes alert dog from Medical Detection Dogs alerting his owner to changes in her blood sugar levels.


Laura graduated in July, after completing her final year project, Dedicated Dogs. She hopes to raise awareness of the positive impact working dogs have on their owners’ lives and encourage people to support working dog charities.

“Dogs deserve recognition for their lifelong commitment to people and my project was a great opportunity to do this,” Laura explained. “I’m hoping it raises awareness of the passion, dedication, and intelligence of working dogs and their relationship with us humans.

“Inspiring a single person to donate any spare change, sponsor a working dog or volunteer their time for a working dog charity themselves, for instance, will ultimately be the best accomplishment for all the hard work, perseverance and effort that I have and will continue to commit to this series.”


Nursing home residents interacting with Max the therapy dog, from Pets as Therapy.

Kirby an urban search and rescue dog alerting he had found his handler, who had been acting as a casualty on a training session.

Cathy, a guide dog on a shopping trip with her owner waiting patiently for her next command.

PC Olly, a police dog for Northamptonshire Police, perfecting his heel work with his handler.
 
Images © Laura Wiggins

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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.