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Battersea announces virtual life drawing class for Valentine's day
The class will include an initial tutorial on drawing shapes and angles.

Animal charity promises 'lockdown date with a difference'.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is calling on budding artists to unleash their inner 'Jack from Titanic' this Valentine's Day by taking part in a virtual life drawing class.

With traditional dates off the cards, the animal charity has teamed up with Wild Life Drawing to run the novel event, which features some of its rescue dogs as models, on 14 February.

Participants will be encouraged to put pen to paper to capture the individual personalities of the canine models, all without leaving the front door. Artist Jennie Webber will lead the Zoom class, while Battersea rehoming manager Beckly Lodder will talk about the dogs and the charity's valuable work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Becky said: “Valentine’s Day is all about love, and we know the love of our rescue pets has rescued many of us over the past year. Whether you’re looking for a lockdown date with a difference with your Valentine, need a fun activity to entertain the kids or you’re just looking for something fun to do with friends, by taking part in this life drawing class, you can help support rescue dogs and cats and show them a little love in these uncertain times.”

Jennie Webber added: “I truly believe that everyone is an artist – even if you’ve not picked up a pencil for years – and that’s why this class is open to all ages and abilities, with plenty of helpful tips and creative support throughout. Drawing is such a calming activity, a wonderful way to forget your worries for a little while and to support Battersea’s dogs and cats in need at the same time!”

The class will run 2-3.30pm on Sunday, 14 February and will include an initial tutorial from Jennie on shapes and angles. Tickets are £10, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

For more information and to register your place, visit battersea.org.uk or wildlifedrawing.co.uk

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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.