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Public urged to be wary of puppy farmers as travel restrictions ease
"It's crucial that the general public is clear on how to responsibly buy a puppy, as restrictions ease." Dr Ed Hayes.

Deceitful sellers could 'exploit confusion around pandemic restrictions' says Kennel Club.

The Kennel Club is warning potential pet owners to be wary of puppy farmers as domestic travel restrictions are relaxed across the UK.

Animal welfare organisations have always encouraged puppy buyers to avoid purchasing a dog if the seller offers to deliver it, as this is often a sign that the seller is attempting to hide the poor conditions that the animal is being kept in.

However, as people across the country were instructed to stay at home during the pandemic, emergency guidance allowed breeders to deliver puppies to their new homes in certain situations.

As travel rules are now easing across Great Britain, the Kennel Club has issued a warning around ongoing deliveries and urges potential buyers to collect their puppy themselves.

Dr Ed Hayes, head of policy and public affairs at The Kennel Club, said: “Following a year of confusing and difficult COVID-19 rules for breeders, rescue organisations and potential new owners – alongside a huge demand for dogs – it’s crucial that the general public is clear on how to responsibly buy a puppy, as restrictions ease.”

“If you’re buying a puppy which you’ve found online, travel restrictions across Great Britain now allow you to follow usual responsible puppy buying advice: Do not agree to have your puppy delivered to you or meet half-way. Ask for more than one virtual viewing to see where puppies have been brought up and the litter interacting with mum. Following relevant Covid guidelines, meet the breeder, puppies and mum outdoors ahead of purchase.”

He continued: “Despite Government’s recent crack-down on third-party sales via Lucy’s Law, puppy farmers can still sell directly to the public online, and we have no doubt that they will exploit confusion around pandemic restrictions and the fact that COVID-19 guidance at one point allowed puppy deliveries.”

The organisation is urging the public to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 guidance within their area and to follow its guidance for puppy buyers.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.