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Dogs Trust scoops award for puppy smuggling campaign
The Puppy Smuggling Taskforce calls on MPs to support Dogs Trust in its efforts to prevent the illegal importation of puppies into the UK.
Charity wins 'Best Animal Welfare Campaign' in Parliamentary Charity Awards 2021.

Dogs Trust has won a prestigious award for a second year running for its ongoing work tackling the issue of puppy smuggling.

The national charity scooped first prize in the Savanta ComRes Parliamentary Charity Awards 2021 for 'Best Animal Welfare Campaign'. The awards pay recognition to charities that lead their field in communicating with parliamentarians across eight categories. 

Specifically, Dogs Trust received the award for its Puppy Smuggling Taskforce - a campaign that calls on MPs to support efforts to prevent the illegal importation of puppies into the UK. Since it launched in October 2020, the campaign has garnered the support of more than 50 MPs from across the political spectrum.

Alongside this campaign, Dogs Trust also launched its fifth Puppy Smuggling investigative report, revealing new research into online puppy advertisements and outlining what the Government can do to end the suffering of smuggled dogs.  

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won an award in such a prestigious category. Given that these are the only Parliamentary awards which are voted for by MPs themselves, our success really is testament to the hard work of the team and charity as a whole.

“We faced tough competition, so it’s fantastic to get recognition for our longstanding work – especially during a very difficult year - on putting an end to the cruel puppy smuggling trade and many other issues to ensure the welfare of dogs is always taken into consideration by policymakers.”

“We’ll continue our political work across the UK and are looking forward to the awards next year already!”

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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.