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Donkey Sanctuary works with police for ‘Operation Gallop’
Police officers joined the Donkey Sanctuary for a training session.
The initiative is tackling equine crime and promoting animal welfare.

The Donkey Sanctuary is working with the Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team as part of a national initiative to tackle equine-related crime.

Operation Gallop has seen the Rural Affairs Team connect with equine communities to share crime prevention advice and build stronger relationships, with the Donkey Sanctuary also sharing specific equine guidance.

During the visit to the Sidmouth site, the Donkey Sanctuary’s welfare team presented the police officers with a training session, exploring donkey care and behaviour. As well as explaining how donkeys’ needs differ from horses, the team also covered practical topics including equine identification and passport legislation.

This is the second time Devon and Cornwall Police and Rural Affairs team has visited the Donkey Sanctuary, after previously providing crime prevention advice and forensic property marking vital equipment.

PC Lucy Wyatt, rural affairs officer at Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “As a rural policing team, we encounter a wide variety of animal-related issues, and it’s vital that we understand the different needs of animals in our communities.

“Donkeys, for example, are more stoic than horses, more prone to certain health issues like obesity and hoof problems and respond differently to stress and handling. The training has been incredibly valuable in helping us identify potential welfare concerns and avoid incorrect assumptions based on horse behaviour.”

Hannah Bryer, the Donkey Sanctuary’s head of welfare, added: “Welcoming the Devon and Cornwall Rural Policing Team to our headquarters this week provided a valuable opportunity for officers to learn about the needs and behaviour of donkeys and mules. This knowledge will help them in the field and give them a greater understanding of the support available through our welfare team.

“Partnerships like this play a crucial role in helping us reach more donkeys and their owners. By working together, we can strengthen our impact within communities and continue our mission to improve the lives of donkeys every day.”

Image © The Donkey Sanctuary

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk