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Scottish SPCA issues urgent appeal for blankets
The Scottish SPCA has been unable to accept used blankets owing to the contamination risk of COVID-19.
Charity 'struggling to keep up with demand'.

The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) has issued an urgent appeal for blankets for animals in their Lanarkshire and Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centres.

The animal welfare charity says that it has been unable to accept used or knitted soft furnishings owing to the links associated with COVID-19. The charity's Lanarkshire centre has already cared for some 600 animals this year, and the Aberdeenshire Centre has looked after more than 500.

“We’re struggling to keep up with the demand for blankets at the moment,” said Lanarkshire centre manager, Gillian Boyle. “Normally we have lots of donations of second-hand blankets, towels and sheets coming in but because our centre is closed to the public due to the coronavirus crisis we’ve been unable to accept these like we normally would."

She added that the charity was only able to access brand new items due to the potential risk of contamination form items that are used.

“We ask that people do not donate duvets or pillows as we find our animals can easily tear these apart. We’re also in need of cleaning cloths for our cattery as we use around 30 of these a day and cat litter as we’re down to our last five bags."

Donations can be sent via Amazon Wishlist to Lanarkshire at https://amzn.to/30I4baX and Aberdeenshire at https://amzn.to/2XVL9Mt

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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.