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Scottish SPCA pledges time to Summer Clean campaign
The Paws on Plastic campaign aims to get dog walkers involved in litter clean-up.

The charity has pledged 500 miles to the Keep Scotland Beautiful initiative. 

Staff at the Scottish SPCA have pledged 500 miles to Keep Scotland Beautiful's Summer Clean campaign.

The campaign, which is running from 28 May until 20 June, requests that people pledge time to pick up litter. Staff at the animal charity will be taking part in the Paws on Plastic initiative, which encourages people to pick up a minimum of two pieces of litter per dog walk. 

Scottish SPCA received 273 calls to its helpline specifically about animals affected by litter between January and May 2021. At almost two incidents per day, the charity is very aware of the devastating effects of litter on animals.

Chief superintendent of the Scottish SPCA, Mike Flynn, said: “We see first-hand the devastating consequences litter can have on animals. Seals and birds get caught up in fishing line or wire or animals can ingest small pieces of rubbish and choke or die.”

“We are proud to be making a difference by taking part in Paws on Plastic for the Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Summer Clean.”

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish SCPA has pledged 500 miles to keep Scotland beautiful this month. We’ve warned of a looming litter emergency and our surveys show an increase in the number of sites surveyed being severely littered – but the Scottish SCPA has seen first-hand the horrific impact litter can have on animals.”

“With the support of thousands of people across Scotland who are pledging to get outside and do some litter picking as part of our Clean Up Scotland Summer Clean this month, we know that together we can make a difference. Not only will removing litter from our country help protect our wildlife and domestic animals from potential injury, it will also help our own health and wellbeing and that of our economy.”

More information on Keep Scotland Beautiful's Summer Clean campaign can be found at keepscotlandbeautiful.org

 

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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.