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Detection dogs and military horse receive ‘animals’ OBE’
Yoyo and Scamp helped authorities discover 40 million illegal cigarettes during their career.
The animals’ contributions to society have been awarded.

Two detection dogs and a military horse have become the latest animals to receive the PDSA Order of Merit.

The animals are the 53rd, 54th, and 55th recipients of the award, which for the last ten years has recognised animals that have shown outstanding devotion to their owner or wider society. It has been described as the ‘animals’ OBE’.

Spaniels Yoyo and Scamp have received the award for their work discovering illegal tobacco products. Working with Trading Standards, HM Revenue and Customs, and police services across the country for more than a decade, the pair helped find 40 million illegal cigarettes, 18 tonnes of hand-rolling tobacco, and over £5 million in cash.

Yoyo and Scamp are now retired and living in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with their former handler Stuart and his wife and daughter.

Jan McLoughlin, PDSA director general, said: “Yoyo and Scamp’s actions throughout their careers as specialist detection dogs have shown outstanding devotion to duty to wider society, above and beyond normal companionship.

“Their excellent detection skills are remarkable and show the value and richness animals bring to society.”

The dogs were joined in receiving the award by former military horse Lord Firebrand, known as Yogi, who served in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

In his 10-year career he took part in events including the State Opening of Parliament, state visits, and Trooping the Colour. He also led Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.

Yogi retired in December 2023 and now lives with the family of a former officer of the King’s Troop.

Mr McLoughlin added: “Throughout Yogi’s career, he has been the first choice of any parade commander due to his striking appearance and professional conduct. His contribution to the defence and the nation is without question.”

Image © PDSA

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.