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Scottish SPCA appeals for building materials for National Wildlife Rescue Centre
The Scottish SPCA currently cares for more than 10,000 wild animals.

Donations will contribute to improvement and upkeep of housing.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for building materials and resources that will aid in the upkeep of animal enclosures and aviaries at its National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

The charity currently cares for more than 10,000 wild animals, including badgers, deer, seals and all types of birds. Staff are planning to use the donated materials to build sleep boxes for the animals, as well as screening for inside paddocks – this will help to replicate the animals' natural environment.

Materials that the Scottish SPCA are asking for include:

  • all types of wood and plywood
  • animal safe paint
  • tools of any kind
  • fencing including mesh chicken wire etc.
  • old sheds.

Centre manager Anna Keen said: “These items are a bit beyond what we normally ask for so we are hoping that there might be people in Clackmannanshire who might be able to donate extra building materials or a local company might be able to help us.

“Even though these donations are not directly for the animals the benefit they have will be so beneficial. The upkeep of the enclosures and creating new sleeping boxes and spaces will allow us to provide the best possible care and give them the best chance of surviving when released back in to the wild.”

As well as the request for building materials, the Scottish SPCA is also appealing for donations of milk and other items to care for baby animals, as the charity enters its busy period for these types of admissions.

For a full list of required building items, please click here. Donations can be dropped off at the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Alloa, or purchased through the charity's Amazon Wishlist.

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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.