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Parachute Freefall Fundraising
Kevin Bishop halfway down.
Keith Bishop, 30 years old, from Tewkesbury faced his fears on Sunday 11th July with a solo 12500ft parachute jump to raise money for the canine welfare charity Dogs Trust.

The forensic medic took up the challenge in memory of his late dog Blue, a Collie cross he rehomed 7 years ago from Dogs Trust Evesham.
 
The free fall jump took place at Cirencester Air Field and involved a 5,000ft free fall at a breathtaking speed of 120mph.
 
Keith Bishop explains: “I rehomed a crossbreed called Bluey from Dogs Trust Evesham in 2003 and he was like a member of the family to us – he even came to our wedding. When he died of cancer in March I decided to fundraise for Dogs Trust to mark his life and help other dogs have a second chance at life. I’m terrified of heights and it was all the more hair-raising as I dislocated my shoulder a few seconds after leaving the plane and the instructors had to deploy my parachute!”

Keith received treatment for his shoulder at Gloucester Hospital last week and now reflects on the jump: “It was the single scariest thing I have ever done, swiftly followed by the single most painful thing I have ever done! I would like to thank everyone who has helped so far, especially my wife Lucinda for putting up with the world’s worst patient and my employers G4S Integrated Services for giving me the time off work and financial sponsorship as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility commitments.”
 
Chris Slight, Dogs Trust Evesham Centre Manager adds: “We’re very grateful to Keith for taking the initiative and offering to do the challenge to raise vital funds for us. Dogs Trust receives no government funding so we rely on the generosity of our supporters and fundraisers like Keith to help us care for over 16,000 dogs a year.”
 
To contribute to Keith’s sponsorship fund visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/keithbishop or www.dogstrust.org.uk/giving/donations.

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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.