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Experts to discuss how pets benefit children
"More and more research is emerging to support the idea that children benefit physically, emotionally and socially from regular contact with companion animals" - Dr Elizabeth Ormerod.
SCAS Conference will share the latest knowledge on Animal-Assisted Interventions.

The role of pets on child development - in particular the impact on mental health and wellbeing - is set to go under the spotlight at the 2021 Society for Companion Animals (SCAS) conference.

Taking place virtually in September, the conference will bring together leading companion animal experts from across the UK to share the latest knowledge on Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI). 

Joanne Williams, Professor of Applied Developmental Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, Matthew Robinson from Pets as Therapy, and Lesley Wonton from Fostering Compassion will present the latest research exploring AAI on child-animal interactions. 

Their presentations will explore the impact that living with companion animals has on child development; the response and outcomes in trials of the Pets As Therapy Read2Dogs service; and the links between animal abuse, child abuse and interpersonal violence.

"More and more research is emerging to support the idea that children benefit physically, emotionally and socially from regular contact with companion animals,” commented SCAS chair, Dr Elizabeth Ormerod. "Contact with companion animals has been shown to be important in several areas of child development and health - for example, in promoting self-esteem and encouraging the development of humane attitudes, such as empathy and nurturing.”

‘Pets and Children' is the first of three different sessions at the 2021 SCAS Virtual Conference. Following sessions include the impact of companion animals in the lives of older people and those with mental health problems. 

Each session will include a research-based presentation and two presentations from organisations working with the client group. Conference attendees will be able to ask questions of the experts throughout the day.

“The SCAS 2021 Virtual Conference is a key platform for attendees and participants alike to hear and share knowledge and experiences as well as learn from the latest research from international experts,” Dr Ormerod added.

More information and details about how to register are available on the SCAS website.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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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.