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Association of Dogs and Cats Homes elects Giles Webber as new chair
"I feel immensely honoured to have been chosen by our members to be ADCH chair." Giles Webber (pictured).

CEO will continue to provide support for rescue centres during pandemic.

Giles Webber, chief executive of Birmingham Dogs Home, has been elected as the new chair of the umbrella group for UK-based animal rescue and rehoming groups, the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH).

Having been in his role at Birmingham Dog's Home since 2017, Mr Webber has led supported two dedicated teams working across Birmingham and Wolverhampton  to care for over 2,000 homeless dogs every year.

The 129-year-old charity also played a key role, alongside (ADCH), during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acting as a central hub to distribute food pallets nationwide so that charities could continue to provide essential care for dogs and cats in need.

Mr Webber said: “I feel immensely honoured to have been chosen by our members to be ADCH chair and hugely privileged to be in this role at such a critical time in our sector’s history.

“Our members make ADCH the organisation that it is, and I believe that by working together for dogs and cats in the way that we do, the positive impact that we have will be ever greater.”

Mr Webber has been a trustee of ADCH for several years. He takes over chairmanship from Claire Horton CBE, who was also CEO for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home for 11 years.

In this new role, Mr Webber will continue to promote best practice in animal welfare for dogs and cats, supporting animal welfare organisations and rescue centres across the UK.

Image (c) Birmingham Dogs 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.