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Atlantic City Diving Horses return
Controversial show returns to New Jersey

The owners of the Atlantic City Steel Pier in New Jersey have announced the return of a show that features horses and riders diving into the sea from a 40ft platform. The shows were popular in the early 20th Century, but they stopped in 1978 and a previous attempt to resurrect the shows in the 1990s failed.

The shows began in the 1920s after a Dr W. F. Carver was caught in an accident in which a bridge collapsed under him while he was riding a horse and both he and the horse fell 40ft into a raging river. Fortunately, both were able to reach the shore without injury.  Carver's daughter-in-law, Sonora Webster Carver, achieved great renown as a horse diver and continued diving despite being blinded in a diving accident in 1931. Her experiences later inspired the 1991 Disney Film 'Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken'. This summer, the diving horses will be ridden by stunt riders.

Speaking to local press, Steel Pier President Anthony Catanoso said “Nobody can show us any documentation that the diving horse act here on Steel Pier ever harmed an animal, ever produced any kind of cruelty or abuse. We would not do that."

“We know the diving horse is controversial, but I think people need to look at the bigger picture. A diving horse is going to be iconic. It’s going to be a small piece of the development project that will bring family entertainment back to Atlantic City.”

However, the practice has still drawn sharp criticism. President of the Atlantic County Society for the Protection of Animals Nancy Beall said "I think it’s disgusting and I think it’s cruelty to animals. It certainly can’t be safe for the animal."

Footage of early horse diving shows still survives. It can be seen 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.