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First guide dog puppy of 2020 is born
At 12-16 months old, the puppies will begin their official guide dog training and go on to become fully qualified guide dogs.

New pup will go on to help people living with sight loss

The charity Guide Dogs has announced that its first guide dog puppy of 2020 has been born. The male puppy remains unnamed as of yet, and is one of more than 1,200 new guide dog puppies expected to be born this year.

The yellow labradoodle puppy was born at 15.08pm on 2 January and is part of a litter of eight , all safely delivered at the home of a Guide Dogs volunteer in Hanbury, Warwickshire.

In roughly eight weeks, the puppies will be sent to the homes of other Guide Dogs volunteers, where they will grow and gain exposure to a variety of sights, sounds and environments in preparation for their future roles.

At 12-16 months old, the puppies will begin their official guide dog training and continue their journey to becoming fully qualified guide dogs.

Guide Dogs Brood supervisor, Tim Bloomfield, said: “Being a part of the journey of a guide dog is so rewarding. Knowing that these pups are coming into the world to make such a huge difference to the lives of people living with sight loss makes it an incredible experience to be a part of.

“There are many stages to ensuring a guide dog pup becomes a fully qualified, working guide dog and our supporters and volunteers are essential in making this happen.”

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.