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Treo Awarded Dickin Medal
Treo with Sergeant Dave Heyhoe and PDSA Senior Vet Elaine Pendlebury.
Treo, a Military Working Dog, has been presented with a PDSA Dickin Medal – recognised worldwide as the animals’ Victoria Cross.

The PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive in recognition of conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. Arms and Explosives Search dog, Treo, was accompanied at the ceremony by his handler, Sergeant Dave Heyhoe. The pair have worked together for five years.

During the six months we spent in Helmand Province the challenge was unrelenting but Treo did not waver from his duties for a second. He’s a true soldier friend.
In August 2008, Treo located a ‘daisy chain’ improvised explosive device (IED), carefully concealed by the Taliban, on a roadside regularly used by soldiers. The ‘daisy chain’ of munitions (two or more explosive devices wired together) is detonated by a single signal but capable of causing maximum devastation. Treo, in lead position, located the IED, preventing deaths and horrendous injuries. The device was booby-trapped to initiate as the Infantrymen passed.
 
On 3 and 4 September 2008, Treo once again located an IED, saving 7 Platoon, The Royal Irish Regiment, from guaranteed casualties. Again in lead position, the dog successfully identified the device and saved the lives of soldiers and civilians alike.

“Treo is a very special dog,” said Sergeant Dave Heyhoe. “There’s a reason why I call him ‘my boy’; it’s because I feel safe when he is by my side and I know he has saved my life many times over. During the six months we spent in Helmand Province the challenge was unrelenting but Treo did not waver from his duties for a second. He’s a true soldier friend.”


Commenting on the award, PDSA Chairman Michael Bolton said: “We are proud to honour Treo with the PDSA Dickin Medal, the animals’ Victoria Cross, for his gallantry in saving countless human lives. He continued with his duties irrespective of the dangers that faced him and in the process saved many, many lives.”
 
Treo’s award brings the total number of PDSA Dickin Medals presented to animals for their wartime heroism to 63. Since its introduction by PDSA founder, Maria Dickin CBE, in 1943, the PDSA Dickin Medal has now been awarded to 27 dogs, 32 WWII messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat.

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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.