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Brooke’s Responsible Tourism Campaign Gains Support
Not all equine animals used in the tourist trade are kept in the best welfare conditions. Photo courtesy of Martin Usbourne.
The Brooke’s Responsible Tourism for Animals campaign has gained the support of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland. The campaign, now in its second year, calls on all tourists to take action by pledging support and following the Brooke’s Happy Horses Holiday Code.

The Responsible Tourism for Animals campaign urges tourists to think and act responsibly, especially in regard to equine animals employed in the tourist trade. To support the campaign Thomas Cook UK & Ireland has included the Happy Horses Holiday Code in its resort information provided to holidaymakers, in destinations where donkeys and horses are used.

Here are some simple questions taken from the Brooke’ Happy Horses Holiday Code which every tourist should ask before riding on one of the many equine animals promoted to tourists:
 
  • Is the animal happy and healthy?
  • Can it carry/ pull my weight?
  • Am I paying a fair price?
 
Andy Cooper, Director of Government & External Affairs at Thomas Cook Group, said, “Thomas Cook UK & Ireland has been actively addressing sustainability issues for many years. We take responsible tourism very seriously, so we are delighted to support the Brooke’s campaign.”

Some equine animals in the tourist trade are forced to carry more weight than they should. Photo courtesy of Martin Usbourne.
Kimberly Wells from Brooke’s Animal Welfare team adds: “When people travel overseas their excitement of being on holiday can often overshadow consideration for the welfare of horses and donkeys they use.  Whilst a carriage or donkey ride can be fun and also provide a vital income for animal owners, not every horse and donkey is fit for the journey.
 
 “We are urging tourists to do their bit and work with us to reduce animal suffering across the world. It’s simple: think before you ride! By following the Brooke’s Happy Horses Holiday Code when on holiday, all tourists can help make a huge difference to the lives of working horses and donkeys overseas.”

The Brooke is a UK charity dedicated to alleviating the suffering of horses, donkeys and mules across the developing world. Read more about their work here.

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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.