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RSPCA plea as dog reaches 1,000 days in care
Sarah spent much of her early life shut in a kennel but has since grown in confidence.
Sarah, a three-year-old lurcher, arrived at the RSPCA in March 2021.

The RSPCA has launched a fresh appeal to find a home for a three-year-old lurcher which has now been in its care for over 1,000 days.

Sarah was first brought into the RSPCA’s care, alongside other dogs in the same case, in March 2021. In November 2021, she was transferred to RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre in Cambridgeshire.

Due to court proceedings related to the case, Sarah only became available for rehoming in December 2022. However, despite other dogs in the case being rehomed, Sarah is still waiting for a permanent home.

On two occasions, Sarah has been close to finding a new home. RSPCA staff even prepared a banner with the word ‘reserved’ to celebrate.

However, through no fault of Sarah’s, they both fell through at the last minute.

Tiffany Saunders, RSPCA supervisor, said: “We were all just gutted when Sarah’s latest new home fell through.

“She was so very close - we understand completely why they had to change their minds - but it just left us all feeling so disheartened because we really thought this time she had got her own happy ever after.”

When Sarah was rescued, she had spent much of her life shut away in a kennel. She had never been trained to walk on a lead and had to be carried out of the place she was rescued from.

Since then, she has grown in confidence, and enjoys running around the centre’s exercise paddock. She has even been reassuring new dogs at the centre, comforting them in the kennels and sharing her toys with them.

Recently, for her first big day out, Sarah enjoyed a successful charity sight hound walk.

Due to her early life experiences, Sarah may find settling into a new home and new situations overwhelming at first. She would also need further training for day-to-day commands and when out on walks.

Ms Saunders said: “We hope, seeing how long Sarah has been waiting for her own family, someone out there will come forward.”

If you are interested in adopting Sarah, or one of the RSPCA's other dogs, visit its website.

Image © the RSPCA

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.