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Report calls for 'pet-friendly officer' to support homeless dog owners
The report highlights the barriers facing homeless pet owners, such as access to safe accomodation and support.

'Pet-Friendly Paw-licy' highlights barriers to accessing safe accommodation and support. 

Animal welfare organisations and housing groups have joined forces with Jack Sargeant MS to highlight the importance of keeping homeless people with their pets.

The Member of the Senedd for Alyn and Deeside has submitted the ‘Pet-Friendly Paw-licy’ to the Welsh Government, which is focussed on the importance of supporting homeless people with dogs to access safe accommodation.

The report highlights the barriers facing homeless pet owners and recommends a number of steps to increase the available options for accommodation and support, including the creation of a 'pet-friendly officer'.

It follows discussions with the Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, homelessness charities The Wallich and Shelter Cymru, Cymorth Cymru (the umbrella body for providers of homelessness support in Wales), and the National Residential Landlord’s Association.

Mr Sargeant said: “My involvement in this was inspired by a conversation with a homeless man about his pet. His story about not being able to access accommodation and keep his dog really struck a chord with me.

“I hope the Welsh Government will act on our recommendations and create a position for a pet-friendly officer to increase accommodation and support options for pet owners by working with accommodation providers across Wales.”

Under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, local authorities must produce a homelessness strategy. Research by the RSPCA, however, found that no currently published strategy makes references to pets or animal welfare.

Welcoming the report, RSPCA public affairs advisor, Lewis Clark, said: "We urge the Welsh Government to work with local authorities and providers of accommodation for homeless people to ensure the fear of losing pets is not providing a barrier to vulnerable individuals accessing services.

“Sadly, many people currently face the harrowing choice of having to abandon pets to access services - which can be a catastrophic decision for them and the animal.”

 

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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.