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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 9th December 2011
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Wales endorses Dogs Trust Xmas campaign
Dogs Trust Campaign to get puppies off Christmas wish-lists gains AM's backing.

Members of the Welsh Assembly have voted to support a Dogs Trust Christmas Campaign designed to reduce the number of puppies being abandoned by their owners after Christmas.

The charity is hoping to prevent a sudden surge in abandonment of puppies. Every year, animal charities are overwhelmed by pets bought for Christmas being abandoned after the novelty wears off or when owners are confronted by the requirements of caring for a pet.

The Assembly Members were reassured to hear that a Dogs Trust poll taken in October 2011 found that only 6% of Welsh parents would be willing to buy their children a puppy as a Christmas present. The same poll also indicated that a third of Welsh parents would also consider rehoming a  rescue centre dog.

Responding to the news, Laura Vallance, Public Affairs Manager for the Dogs Trust, said: “Our Christmas campaign is as important now as it has ever been as our Rehoming Centre in Bridgend is already full to capacity with stray and abandoned dogs. The centre will go to great effort to ensure any unwanted Christmas puppies are cared for, but it will be a struggle. I am hugely thankful for the valued and vital support so many AMs have shown us and for their help with highlighting our Christmas message in Wales."

She added: "We hope that people will be mindful that a dog is for life not just for Christmas.”

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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.