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Brave Dogs Awarded
PC Neil Sampson with police dog Anya and her medal.
Police dog ‘Anya’ and pet dogs ‘Frodo’ and ‘Oi’ have received the highest award for civilian animal bravery, the PDSA Gold Medal – the animals’ George Cross.

Police dogs Anya, Frodo and Oi received their Medals at HM Tower of London at a ceremony hosted by TV personality, Graham Norton.
 
At just two-and-a-half-years-old, Police dog Anya was stabbed in the chest while defending her handler, PC Neil Sampson, from a knife-wielding attacker in January 2008. PC Sampson, was stabbed seven times during the attack. Despite her injuries, Anya continued to defend PC Sampson and his colleagues, so preventing further, potentially fatal, wounds.

Also receiving PDSA’s Gold Medal was five-year-old Beagle, Frodo, who turned life-saver one night in June 2008 when fire swept through the family home in St Bees, Cumbria. Smoke alarms in the house were faulty, but Frodo sensed the danger and woke up his owner, Jenny Barwise. The heroic dog then led the way through dense smoke to where other members of the family were sleeping. Frodo was hailed a hero by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service for his actions.
 
The third PDSA Gold Medal was a posthumous award to Oi, a courageous Staffordshire bull terrier. When a gang armed with machetes forced their way into the family’s London home in July 2008, Oi was there to confront the intruders. During the violent encounter, one family member was wounded and Oi received a crashing machete blow to the head, exposing her brain. Despite suffering horrific injuries, Oi’s relentless efforts forced the gang to flee and the blood-soaked dog was rushed to Thamesmead PDSA PetAid hospital, The Freda Powell Centre, for emergency treatment. Oi died from cancer in March 2010.

PDSA vet Sean Wensley with Frodo and his medal.
Commenting on the heroic deeds of the three dogs, PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “Anya, Frodo and Oi are all worthy recipients of the PDSA Gold Medal which acknowledges extreme acts of courage and dedication in civilian situations. The three dogs now join an elite group of the world’s most courageous companions. Each story is a unique account of bravery that both moves and inspires.”
 
Since its inception in 2001, the PDSA Gold Medal has now been awarded to 18 heroic animals. Recipients include police explosives search dogs Vinnie, Jake and Billy for their life-saving work in the aftermath of the 7/7 terrorist bombings in London, in 2005.

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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.