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Cavalier puppy crowned Holyrood Dog of the Year
Sadie battled against nine 'paw-litical' opponents to win the most sought-after title in Scottish politics.
Competition celebrates heroic deeds and acts of devotion

A Cavalier King Charles spaniel/poodle cross puppy has scooped the prestigious title of Holyrood Dog of the Year.

Eight-month-old Sadie entered the annual competition with Lothian MSP Jeremy Balfour and amazed the judges with her loveable personality and loyalty to her owner and constituents.

Dog’s Trust dog Georgie and Alison Johnstone MSP scooped second place while Monica Lennon MSP and her dog Cuillin took third.

Besides celebrating the unique bond between animals and humans, the Holyrood Dog of the Year competition aims to promote responsible dog ownership. Organised by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, the contest is open to all breeds of parliamentarian’s dogs, regardless of breed or political persuasion.

This years’ event took place on Tuesday (30 April) in the Scottish Parliament gardens at Horse Wynd, Edinburgh. Sadie battled against nine 'paw-litical' opponents to win the most sought-after title in Scottish politics.

The theme of this year’s competition was the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and how dog owners and non-dog owners can help. MSP's entering the contest canvassed for votes from the public before meeting the judges to share their dog's heroic deeds and acts of devotion.

On the judging panel was Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden and parliamentary liaison officer Richard Morrison for the Scottish Kennel Club, who both spent the morning with each entrant.

Proud owner Jeremy Balfour commented: “We’re delighted - it’s the third year I’ve taken part so it’s brilliant to won. It’s been a really fun day.”

Paul Boyden added: “The competition this year was fierce, but Sadie and her owner Jeremy Balfour MSP triumphed by making a strong impression, demonstrating their bond and commitment to improving dog welfare.
 
“It’s been a wonderful day celebrating all the fantastic dogs at Holyrood today; we would like to thank all the MSPs and the dogs for taking part.”
 
Bill Lambert, senior health and welfare manager at the Kennel Club said: “Congratulations to Sadie and Jeremy for winning the crown of top dog and owner at Holyrood today. All the MSPs and their dogs were worthy winners and the competition is a fantastic way to raise awareness of the issues affecting man’s best friend today.”

Image (C) Stewart Attwood. 

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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.