Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th July 2020
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Struggling pet owners urged to 'think rescue first'
Battersea is concerned that some struggling owners could be putting their pets at risk by abandoning them.
Battersea issues plea to those in need to get in touch. 

Struggling pet owners are being urged to 'think rescue first' before giving up their pet.

Animal charity Battersea is concerned that struggling pet owners may not be aware of the help it can offer them, and that people could be putting their pets at risk by abandoning them or selling them online to the first available takers.

In recent weeks, the charity has been offering advice to owners through a dedicated behaviour line, as it could only accept animals on an emergency basis. Now, with the easing of lockdown, Battersea can take in unwanted cats and dogs again and is encouraging those in need to get in touch.

“We know there will be pet owners who are struggling, for whatever reason, to care for their dogs and cats, and we want them to know that we are here to help, whether it’s providing behaviour advice or finding a new loving home for their pet,” commented Rob Young, head of centre operations at Battersea.

“Contacting a rescue centre is the most responsible decision if you can no longer care for a dog or cat. If you bring them to a rescue like Battersea, you know they’ll be cared for and loved, and you’re giving them the best chance of finding a new happy home.”

Among Battersea's most recent arrivals include Staffordshire bull terrier, Henley, who was abandoned and tied to a lamppost in south-east London for over five hours before a concerned member of public bought her to the safety of Battersea. Domestic Short-hair cat Pretzel was found dumped in a box suffering from severe dental disease.

Border Collie puppy Tilly’s owners brought her into Battersea when their circumstances changed, and they could no longer care for her. Thanks to her owners making the responsible decision to bring her in, Tilly has now found a new home.

“In Tilly’s case, her owners really did the best thing for her. If she’d been left abandoned on the street or sold online, she could have easily ended up in the wrong hands,” said Rob “Battersea will always be here for animals that desperately need our help, like Pretzel and Henley. Fortunately, we haven’t seen many pets being abandoned on the street but even one or two are too many."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.