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Animal companionship charity OSF appoints vet as patron
“I’m proud to become a patron of OSF, a fantastic and dedicated organisation that I've admired for years” – Marc Abraham.
Marc Abraham will help raise awareness of the charity's work.

A charity that delivers animal companionship support services to vulnerable individuals has appointed veterinary surgeon Marc Abraham OBE as its patron.

Dr Abraham will help Our Special Friends (OSF) to promote the work that it carries out in West Suffolk and support the adoption of the charity's model in other parts of the UK.
 
The charity was founded ten years ago by veterinary surgeon Belinda 'Bin' Johnston to help individuals access and maintain the benefits of animal companionship.

The services it offers include 'foster to reunite' care, advocacy to keep owners and pets together, dog walking and accompanied dog walking for people with limited mobility, and visits with friendly dogs for people unable to care for their own pet.

The work OSF provides is delivered in collaboration with professionals in the community such as social workers, GPs, veterinary practices, and domestic abuse charities.

Dr Abraham, also known as ‘Marc the Vet’, is an author, broadcaster, and animal welfare campaigner in addition to working as a veterinary surgeon. He has previously founded the Pup Aid campaign to raise awareness about puppy farms and is the co-founder and secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group.

Dr Abraham said: “I’m proud to become a patron of OSF, a fantastic and dedicated organisation that I've admired for years.

“The human-animal bond offers many health benefits; from improving heart health to alleviating depression and loneliness. It can also increase wellbeing and support child health and development - especially for those with special educational needs and disabilities. It can even contribute to a healthy ageing process.

“I’m looking forward to working with OSF to promote the power and value of the human-animal bond.”

OSF has also appointed two news trustees: Rebecca Stephens, a senior lecturer in social work at the University of Sussex, and veterinary surgeon Rebekah Sullivan.

Dr Johnston added: “We’re also thrilled to welcome Rebecca and Rebekah to our board of trustees.

“Their skills, expertise and enthusiasm are a perfect fit for OSF and we look forward to working with them to enhance the lives of people and animals at risk through the power of animal companionship support services in the months ahead.”

Image © Our Special Friends

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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.