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Battersea Dogs & Cats Home celebrates 160th anniversary
(Pictured) A policeman leading a stray puppy through Battersea's gates.

Leading pet charity relives its past through pictures and stories

One of the UK’s oldest animal welfare charities, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is celebrating its 160th anniversary this October.

To mark the occasion, Battersea is sharing pictures from the home’s history and stories of various events and unusual happenings that have taken place in its 160 years of operation.

Included is the story of a piglet named Percy, who was brought into Battersea after being found in Blackheath Common, as well as other unusual animals that the charity has taken care of.

Battersea has also shared a newspaper cutting from August 1957 talking about its team of all-female ambulance drivers, who would drive around London picking up stray dogs and cats.

The charity is sharing these facts and photos with the public throughout the month on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

Battersea was founded in 1890 by Mary Tealby and was named ‘The Temporary Home for Lost & Starving Dogs’. It was based in Holloway, North London, before moving to Battersea in 1871.

The home survived both World Wars and two bombings over the years. The original cattery, Whittington Lodge, still stands today as a heritage building in the London site.

Battersea now employs more than 1,000 volunteers and 550 members of staff. The home cares for more than 7,000 dogs and cats across its three centres every year.

To stay up-to-date with the anniversary celebrations, follow Battersea on its social media channels.

Images Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

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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.