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Cat and Dog Populations
A survey of households randomly selected has revealed that cats and dogs are owned by 26 per cent and 31 per cent of households, respectively.
A new study has found that the UK domestic cat and dog population is larger than previously reported by industry figures. 

It has been over 20 years since domestic cat and dog population estimates in the UK have been published in scientific peer-reviewed journals but a paper published in the Veterinary Record has looked at just that.

A survey of households randomly selected has revealed that cats and dogs are owned by 26 per cent and 31 per cent of households, respectively.  The findings were used to estimate that UK households owned approximately 10.3 million cats and 10.5 million dogs in 2006.
 
Characteristics associated with cat and dog ownership were also identified.  Cats were more likely to be owned by: households with gardens, semi-urban/rural households, households with someone qualified to degree level, respondents who were female and respondents who were aged less than 65 years.  Cats were less likely to be owned by households with one or more dogs.
 
The likelihood of dog ownership increased as the household size increased. Dogs were more likely to be owned by households with gardens, rural households and less likely to be owned by households with cats or children aged less than 11 years. Female respondents and those aged less than 55 years were more likely to report dog ownership than other respondents. Dogs were also less likely to be owned by households with one or more cats.    

The researchers recommend the study is repeated in 2011, (the year of the next scheduled UK census), as any increase or decrease in population numbers will enable pet ownership trends to be monitored.

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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
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.