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PDSA Dickin Medal celebrates 80th anniversary
Simon is the only cat to have received the PDSA Dickin Medal.
Charity honours animals that served in armed forces.

Veterinary charity PDSA is marking 80 years of the PDSA Dickin Medal, which was founded during the Second World War to honour animals serving in the military.

On Sunday, 12 November, PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin laid a wreath at the Cenotaph to commemorate the animals who served during the two world wars.

The charity is also highlighting the stories of four previous recipients on a special page on its website.

PDSA founder Maria Dickin launched the medal in 1943 with the support of the War Office and Imperial War Museum. The first PDSA Dickin Medals were awarded in December of that year to three carrier pigeons called Winkie, White Vision and Tyke.

Considered to be the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the medal has been awarded a total of 75 times to animals that have shown conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty.

One of the recipients being highlighted by the charity is Simon, the only cat to receive a PDSA Dickin Medal. Simon served on board HMS Amethyst during the Chinese Civil War.

Despite being injured when the ship came under fire from the People’s Liberation Army, Simon helped protect the ship’s limited food supply from rats as it sat stranded in the Yangtze River for almost 10 weeks.

For his work hunting rats and raising the morale of the crew, Simon received the PDSA Dickin Medal in 1949.

Ms McLoughlin said: “We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 80 years of the PDSA Dickin Medal, and as such recognising all of its incredible recipients.

“The PDSA Dickin Medal has demonstrated time and time again how absolutely vital animals are to the war effort. They bring a unique set of skills that no man, woman or machine could match.

“From our first-ever pigeon recipient in 1943 to German shepherd Bass, our most recent PDSA Dickin Medal recipient earlier this year, every single animal who has been awarded the medal over the years is remembered and celebrated today.”

Image © PDSA

 

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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...
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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.