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Vets urged to report suspected dog fighting injuries
Among the warning signs to watch out for include puncture wounds in various stages of healing.
New guidance to help tackle growing welfare problem

A leading animal welfare charity is calling on vets to report suspected dog fighting injuries after evidence shows that eyewitness reports are going unreported.

The call from the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) comes in response to a Royal Veterinary College (RVC) survey that provides evidence dog fighting is on the rise.

The survey found that 15 per cent of veterinary professionals suspected they had treated at least one dog engaged in illegal dog fighting. However, LACS says that most of these are going unreported ‘amid members of the veterinary profession lacking confidence in how to report their suspicions.’

“Vets are in a unique position to help tackle dog fighting where animals with suspected fighting injuries are encountered,” explained Suzanne Heaney, dog fighting programme manager at the LACS. “It is extremely concerning such incidents are not being routinely reported through the mistakenperception that customer confidentiality prohibits veterinary professionals from raising the alarm with animal welfare charities or the police.”

The League stresses the government’s code of practice recognises that animal welfare trumps client confidentiality and the vital role of vets in tackling this growing problem. To help overcome this common misconception, the League has published a handy guide for veterinary professionals, on how to spot the signs of dog fighting and how to report it.

Among the warning signs to watch out for include puncture wounds in various stages of healing, typically to the head, neck, chest and forelimbs, and marks around the neck from weighted collars used in fight training. Vets are also urged to look out for owners paying in cask to avoid detection for a dog used in fighting, and owners seeking to purchase drugs or medical supplies with a view to treating injuries themselves.

“The League urges veterinary professionals to familiarise themselves with the injuries and behaviours which indicate dog fighting, then come forward with any suspected cases in confidence to the League,” Ms Heaney continued. “It may be a cliché, but one very true, that it’s better to be safe than sorry – especially when the life of a dog forced to fight depends on people taking action.”

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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.