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Rescue charity campaigns for emergency government support
Boris and Wilfred were born during lockdown at one of NAWT's shelters.
Animal lovers urged to write to their MPs over coronavirus impact.

Animal lovers are being urged to write to their local MP in a bid to to support rescue and rehoming centres struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The #RescueAnimalRescue campaign is being led by the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT), one of the hundreds of rescue and rehoming centres in the UK facing financial difficulties as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.

“We’ve been hoping the government would support us like it has with zoos and aquariums, but so far nothing has been announced,” commented NAWT CEO Clare Williams. “Like other charities, we rely on raising money from visitors, year-round events and our charity shops, all of which have had to stop during lockdown, meaning a massive drop in income.”

Spearheading the campaign are two kittens named Boris and Wilfred, who were born during lockdown at one of NAWT’s shelters. The charity saved the young brothers after finding their mother straying and living off scraps from bins in a nearby high street.

NAWT fears there will be a spike in unwanted animals once lockdown restrictions are fully lifted, as people’s circumstances at home and at work change.

Clare adds: “We know that the demand for pets has been particularly high. Our centres have been quieter during lockdown but we are fully expecting demand for our services to go up, clashing just at a time when the real impact of the lack of funding will hit.

“It could be a dire situation for animals like Boris and Wilfred because if there are no places for them in rescue, then the responsibility falls to the local authorities. Many of them are already cash-strapped after having to deal with the COVID-crisis. I dread to think what this will mean for unwanted pets in the future.”

NAWT is asking animal lovers to write to their MP urging them to raise the matter with the Chancellor. For more information and to get involved, visit nawt.org.uk/rescue-animal-rescue-contact-your-mp

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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.