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RSPCA rescue puppy qualifies as police sniffer dog
Badger was rescued by the RSPCA after being abandoned with his siblings last year.

Cocker spaniel has new life after being abandoned in a bucket as a puppy

A puppy that was rescued last year by the RSPCA after being abandoned along with it's siblings s now a qualified sniffer dog working with the Surrey and Sussex Police Dog Unit.

Cocker spaniel Badger was found with his three siblings in a bucket in Redhill, Surrey on 14 July 2019. The puppies were extremely malnourished, had chronic eye and ear infections and were almost bald as a result of severe mange.

The RSPCA collected the puppies and they were taken to the Millbrook Animal Centre, in Chobham. They were given treatment and after many weeks were all rehomed. However, Badger unfortunately had more difficulty settling in than his siblings and he was brought back to the centre.

Jo Douglas from the Millbrook Animal Centre said: “[Badger] was always on the go and needed constant stimulation and he was just too much for his adopters so he came back to us.

“We kept him busy by hiding tennis balls around the centre and playing scent games with him. He absolutely loved it - and was really good at following his nose and finding them so we contacted the police to see if they’d be interested in taking him on as a new recruit!”

Badger trained with the Surrey and Sussex Police Dog Unit and qualified as a sniffer dog earlier this year. Now, at 20 months old, Badger works alongside PC Steph Barrett, sniffing out guns, money and drugs.

PC Barrett said: “I was saddened to hear how Badger had been dumped on the side of the road but, thanks to the RSPCA, he’s been given a second chance. After a lot of love and training, he has regained trust in humans and become a real success story. He’s still very mischievous at times, but that’s all part of the challenge!

“When he hears the radio go off he squeals with excitement and I don’t even have to ask him to get in the van. He’s a joy to work with. He’s hard not to love. He’s still got that cheeky side to him but he’s obsessed with work and he makes me smile all day.”

Image (c) RSPCA.

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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.