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Leading dog charities deeply concerned for dog laws
Battersea, RSPCA and The Blue Cross are concerned over the lack of Government action.


All three charities feel the current Government are all discursive talk but no action.  They are united in their criticism against the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for their lack of direct response or feedback. 

Earlier this month, the debate held in the House of Commons appeared promising however, little has been done despite the fact that 78% of respondents agreed dog legislation needed amendments. Furthermore, the debate saw a strikingly high 84% agree to seek compulsory micro-chipping for all pets, which would help all charities when faced with hundreds of stray or lost dogs.

Steve Goody, The Blue Cross Director of External Affairs stated: "Animal charities are struggling with huge numbers of unwanted dogs and cats, partly fuelled by irresponsible and indiscriminate breeding. The Blue Cross is calling on the Government to crack down on back-street breeding, and to promote neutering as widely as possible."

Evidently, the issue of dangerous dogs and irresponsible breeding will not be solved until the Government add more severity to their laws for dog breeding and general dog keeping.  As witnessed from their vigorous debates in Parliament, they have the will to make change, but seem to be lacking in will power.  Thus, Battersea, RSCPA, and The Blue Cross are forming a united front to urge the Government to be more pro-active as opposed to reactive, by making this social issue high priority.  Consequently, the Government and various public services (charities, the police and social services) can crack down on irresponsible breeding and care of dogs. 

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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.