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Hero police dogs to receive animals’ 'OBE'
The PDSA Order of Merit is also known as the animals’ 'OBE'.
Met and British Transport dogs honoured for actions during London terror attacks

Seven police dogs who assisted emergency services during the 2017 London terror attacks are set to receive a prestigious award.

Metropolitan Police (MET) dogs Kai, Delta and Dave, alongside British Transport Police (BTP) dogs Bruno, Marci, Jax and Bobby will each receive the PDSA Order of Merit - known as the animals’ OBE - at a ceremony later this year.

The dogs have been selected to represent the 19 police dogs who served during the incidents at Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Borough Market.

Announcing the award at Borough Market on Tuesday, PDSA vet Rosamund Ford said: “The actions of these incredible dogs – and their handlers – was vital in keeping the public safe and allowing the emergency services to carry out their work.

“They performed their duties in a highly-charged and unfamiliar environment that no amount of training can fully prepare them for. PDSA is honoured to recognise their devotion to duty and service to society.”

British Transport Police Inspector Paul Miles said he was “immensely proud” of the dogs and their handlers and that he was “thrilled” to see their bravery and resilience recognised.

“They worked through physically and emotionally challenging conditions without a second thought, courageously walking into danger and putting the public’s safety before their own,” he said. “While today is a day of celebration, the horror of 2017 will never leave us, and our thoughts will always remain with those who lost their lives and were injured in these terrible incidents.”

Chief Inspector Graham Horwood from the Met’s Taskforce added: “In 2017 we were sadly met with some unimaginable events and our thoughts and condolences remain with those affected. Our police dogs and their handlers were required to work in the most challenging environments and we are delighted to hear that their extraordinary work has been recognised.
 
“It is an honour for them to receive such a prestigious award and they will continue to work day and night to keep London safe.”

The MET and BTP police dogs will take the total number of PDSA Order of Merit recipients to 27, including 17 dogs and 10 horses. 

 

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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.