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Lack of council resources affecting animal welfare, charity warns
The Blue Cross says that local authority cuts are likely to have had a signifcant impact on officers to enforce animal welfare cases effectively.

Blue Cross manifesto calls on MPs to better enforce animal welfare legislation 

Animal charity Blue Cross has expressed concern about a lack of local authority resources and its effect on animal welfare.

The government has made significant local authority cuts in recent years, which the Blue Cross says is likely to have had a significant impact on officers to enforce and investigate animal welfare cases effectively. The charity is now calling for increased resources and training to ensure that officers have the necessary knowledge to apply to all pet welfare legislation.


The call forms part of Blue Cross’ new manifesto, New Parliament, New Start for Animals, which outlines the charity’s recommendations on topics including breed-specific legislation, shock collars, greyhounds and the microchipping of cats. It also includes a push for the regulation of animal sanctuaries and rehoming organisations and the better recognition of the benefits of pets for mental health and wellbeing.

“A new parliament signifies new opportunities and we hope this means significant and lasting change for animals, which safeguards and protects the vulnerable,” explained head of public affairs, Becky Thwaites. “We have a lot of new MP's to get to know and we are looking forward to bringing the issues in our manifesto to the forefront of their minds."


Blue Cross reports that while the majority of animal rehoming centres and rescue centres maintain high standards of animal welfare, some can become overwhelmed and struggle to meet animal welfare needs. As part of its new manifesto, the charity is calling on MPs to open a consultation on regulating such organisations and to introduce an accompanying inspection system to maintain high animal welfare standards.


Blue Cross is also calling on the Department of Health and NHS England to undertake a comprehensive review of the provision of Animal-Assisted Therapy for mental health patients. It comes after its 2019 report, ‘A link in the Chain: Tackling mental health, poverty and loneliness through pet ownership’, revealed the powerful impact pets can have on society.

The charity will be giving the manifesto to MPs, accompanied with a request to discuss the outcome in person. For further information, please visit bluecross.org.uk/manifesto

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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.