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Solihull animal hospital earns environmental accreditation
"Ensuring we have an environmentally sustainable hospital is extremely important to us" - Toby Gemmill, managing director at Willows.
Willows Veterinary Centre has earned silver accreditation for its sustainability. 

Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Centre in Solihull has been recognised by Investors in the Environment (iiE) for its sustainable practices.

The small animal hospital set up a dedicated 'Green Giants' group, and set up initiatives across the practice, including switching all lighting to LED energy-saving lights, creating new waste streams, and reducing single-use items. 

Willows has seen significant results from its sustainable initiatives, including an eight per cent overall drop in electricity usage across the hospital, a seven per cent fuel reduction, and a 12 per cent rise in recycling. 

Dave Hindley, building and facilities manager at Willows, who is spearheading the scheme, commented: “Willows is very proud of this iiE Silver award. 

“We want to continue to make significant environmental savings across our site, by looking into technology such as solar panels, electric car charging points and an electric van, which will help take us to the next level and reduce our carbon footprint even more.” 

April Sotomayer, from iiE, added: “Congratulations to Willows on achieving this silver award for its work on reducing its environmental impact and engaging its staff with some fantastic waste and carbon reduction initiatives, in particular.

“This shows a clear determination to prioritise its sustainability efforts in line with our independent accreditation scheme and we’re excited to see them go even further in the future.” 

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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.