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Nominations open for RSPCA PawPrints Awards
This is the first year of the Withnall Partnerships Award.
The award will recognise vets and vet nurses in the public sector.

Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses have been invited to nominate themselves for the RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards.

The award will celebrate the collaborations with public bodies, such as councils, emergency services and the Armed Forces, which improve animal health and welfare.

The RSPCA’s PawPrints Awards were first launched in 2008 to acknowledge public bodies and community heroes which surpass legal standards to care for animals. This includes veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and practices which have worked in partnership within councils and the public sector.

This year marks the introduction of a new awards category – the Withnall Partnerships Award.

The new category recognises the collaborations that the RSPCA has with other animal welfare organisations, teams and individuals. It celebrates their joint efforts ensuring protection and treatment of animals.

The award is named in honour of the late Kirsty Withnall, an RSPCA inspector known for her dedication to animal welfare and her work tackling serious animal crime.

Both long-term and short-term partnerships will be considered for the accolade. This will include collaborations between councils, enforcement agencies, charities, businesses and more.

There are also a number of other awards honouring commitment to animal welfare, including a new series of ‘Hero Categories’ highlighting work tackling specific animal welfare challenges.

RSPCA says they would particularly welcome nominations for veterinary surgeons and nurses which have been collaborating with public bodies to advance animal welfare.

Lee Gingell, RSPCA public affairs manager, said: “It’s really important to highlight the incredible efforts we know so many go to for animals. We can’t wait to see this year’s entries and celebrate local animal welfare champions.
 
“Local veterinary clinics and staff are too often unsung heroes - but do their bit to support public bodies in raising animal welfare standards, for example offering discounted neutering in partnership with their local council or other initiatives. This is a vital part of making sure we see greater standards across the board and making sure our communities are for every kind, so we are really keen to recognise these veterinary heroes this year.”

Nominations are open until 18 July and can be made on the RSPCA’s dedicated PoliticalAnimal website.

Image © RSPCA and Shutterstock

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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.