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Pet food bank project expands to North East
"We set up the scheme in the hope that we could provide as much pet food as possible and keep families and their pets together." - ARO Heather Wade.

The RSPCA began the project in response to the pandemic. 

 The RSPCA is asking the public for pet food donations as its food bank project expands into North East England.

Beginning in Lancashire during lockdown, as a response to the large number of pet owners with financial difficulties that the RSPCA was seeing, the project links up the RSPCA with food banks around the country to provide the food banks with pet food. 

Rolled out across 35 different food banks across Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Northumbria and Greater Manchester, the project is now being rolled out in the North East of England.

The food banks who have signed up for the project are Key 2 Life Food Bank (South Shields), Washington Community Food Project, Walker and District Food Bank and Newcastle West End Food Bank. 

RSPCA animal rescue officer (ARO) Heather Wade, who is coordinating the effort across South Tyneside and Newcastle, commented on the project: “We’ve seen pets become a real source of comfort to people during the pandemic and it’s fantastic to see those strong bonds between owners and their animals. 

“However, the pandemic has put a strain on people’s finances and we’re seeing a lot of people experience tough times at the moment. 

“The last thing we want is for a loving owner to have to give up their companion and so we set up the scheme in the hope that we could provide as much pet food as possible and keep families and their pets together.”

The charity is asking for donations of pet food to assist the project, and members of the public are asked to use these drop-off points and specify that the donation is for the project:

    •   RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, Waldridge Lane, DH2 3BF
    •   RSPCA Newcastle and North Northumberland Branch Shop, 200 Shields Road, Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 1DU
    •   RSPCA Newcastle and North Northumberland Branch Shop, 186 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2TA

Heather added: “We’re so pleased to be able to help in this way and are so grateful for any donations we receive to help this project.”

 

Image (C) RSPCA

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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  

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.