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More Owners Abandoning Pregnant Dogs
The number of pregnant dogs abandoned by their owners is on the rise.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has revealed that more pregnant dogs are abandoned by owners who have failed to get their dogs neutered.

The number of births at the three South London sites is five times as high as this time last year, with 32 puppies born in Battersea's care compared to only six for the same period in 2010.

While it is often easy to rehome new puppies, Battersea is concerned that pet owners are failing to grasp the consequences of not getting their dog neutered until it is too late.

Battersea's Head of Animal Services Laura Jenkins said: "We believe that the number of unwanted animals coming through the Home's doors would be significantly reduced if more people took the responsible decision to neuter their pets."

Laura Jenkins added: "It's a common misconception that neutering is cruel as it actually has significant health benefits including reducing the risk of womb infection and tumours in both cats and dogs."

Battersea advises that owners must be urged to neuter their pets, to help prevent owners who cannot cope with unwanted puppies, abandoning their 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.