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Lest we forget
Dogs Trust's chief executive, Owen Sharp, and 'Peanut' at the memorial
Fallen animals in war remembered

Over 16 million animals served in the First World War. They were used for transport, communication and companionship.

Horses, donkeys, mules and camels carried food, water, ammunition and medical supplies to men at the front, and dogs and pigeons carried messages. Canaries were used to detect poisonous gas, and cats and dogs were trained to hunt rats in the trenches.

On Friday 8 November, two- and four-legged guests gathered at the fifteenth Animals in War Memorial event in Hyde Park, London to pay their respects to the animals that have served and continue to serve in conflicts throughout the world.

Organised by Dogs Trust and the Petplan Charitable Trust, the event was attended by representatives from the animal welfare sector as well animals including horses from the Household Cavalry and Dogs Trust rescue dog, Peanut, a terrier cross.

Guest readers included author, Jilly Cooper, scholar and historian, Dr Hilda Kean and BBC correspondent, Gordon Corera, as well as four school children who read poetry they had written especially for the event.

Dogs Trust chief executive, Owen Sharp, commented: “It is incredibly moving to see so many organisations coming together each year to commemorate the immense bravery of the animals that served alongside our soldiers in battle. We believe that it is important that we continue to remember the animals of war and ensure they are never forgotten.”

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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.