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Guide dog puppies celebrate first birthday
The puppies will go on to help nine people with sight loss in the UK

Charity Guide Dogs treats puppies before formal training begins

A group of puppies from the first ever fully funded guide dog group celebrated their first birthday at a special event, held in Edinburgh on Thursday 28 November.

Seven puppies from the group of nine attended, and were treated to a special dog-friendly birthday cake and some well-deserved play time with People’s Postcode Lottery staff.

The group was funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who raised over £2,200 for the Guide Dogs charity. The funds raised go towards the care and training of these puppies, who are currently being cared for by Guide Dogs volunteers known as puppy walkers.

Craig Stewart, corporate partnerships development manager at Guide Dogs, commented: “We cannot thank the players of People’s Postcode Lottery enough for their support in funding this group of guide dog puppies. They will go on to change the lives of nine people with sight loss in the UK, giving them the independence and confidence to live their life the way they want to.”

The pups are already taken out on daily walks to help them get used to the various sights, sounds, smells and environments that they will encounter when working with people who with sight loss. Now that they are turning one, they will soon be attending a Guide Dogs training school, where they will receive formal training before graduating as fully qualified guide dogs.

“We were delighted to welcome the guide dog puppies to the People’s Postcode Lottery office today and celebrate their first birthday.” Hazel Johnstone of People’s Postcode Lottery said, “I am proud that our players are able to support these pups through their training and can’t wait to follow their journey as it continues.”

Image (c) Guide Dogs

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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.