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PDSA launches unwanted gifts appeal
The PDSA is urging the public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts to its charity shops.
The veterinary charity is experiencing increasing demand for its services.

The PDSA has launched an unwanted Christmas gift appeal to support its vital veterinary work.

It comes amid rising demand for the charity's services during the cost-of-living crisis, and the problem is only expected to get worse.

In 2021, PDSA treated some 370,000 pets and saved the lives of 134,000 animals. However, the organisation's PAW Report, released the following year, found that almost a third of pet owners are worried about affording veterinary costs.

It followed shocking findings released by the PDSA in 2021, revealing that a staggering 930,000 pets were at risk of being euthanised if their owners were hit with unexpected veterinary bills. 

Lloyd Hughes, head of retail and buying at PDSA, urged members of the public to donate their unwanted Christmas items to the organisation's charity shops.

“PDSA receives no government funding and relies solely on public support to fund our vital work,” he said. “Without the money raised in our shops and donations given to us by kind-hearted members of the public, we wouldn’t be able to fund the life-saving treatment we provide in our 48 Pet Hospitals.

“By donating unwanted Christmas gifts, that may otherwise sit in a cupboard or even be thrown away, to our charity shops, people can make a real difference to the lives of pets and their owners, keeping families together.” 

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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.