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Dogs Trust calls for statutory levy on bookmakers
The number of racing greyhounds being put to sleep or passing away in 2018 remained consistent with that of 2017.

Charity responds to latest figures on greyhound injuries

Rehoming and adoption charity Dogs Trust has called for a statutory levy on bookmakers to contribute towards the welfare of greyhounds.

The call comes after figures from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) revealed that the number of racing greyhounds being put to sleep or passing away in 2018 remained consistent with that of 2017.

In a statement on its website, Dogs Trust hailed the report as ‘another step towards an open and honest greyhound industry’. But it stressed that the overall percentage of greyhounds passing away ‘is still too many’.

“We will continue to work with the industry via the Greyhound Forum to push for improvement to protect greyhound welfare both on and off the track as well as into their retirement,” the charity said.

“The need for additional funding is also paramount and we are calling for a statutory levy to require all bookmakers to contribute to the welfare of the greyhounds who are so critical to this industry.”

The report, The Greyhound Commitment - The First Year, revealed that out of 426,139 runs in 2018, there were 4,963 injuries. This is a racing injury rate of 1.16 per cent which is consistent with 2017.

In the same year, the number of greyhounds put to sleep trackside fell from 257 to 242.

The full report is available to view at www.gbgb.org.uk

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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.