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New 'Puppy Plan' launched
Kennel Club and Dogs Trust launch pilot scheme

The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust have come together to launch the Puppy Plan, a new initiative for dog breeders and owners which aims to give every puppy the very best start in life to prevent behavioural problems later on.

The Puppy Plan is being launched to Kennel Club Assured Breeders as a pilot scheme for those breeders who have agreed to follow good breeding practices as set out by the Kennel Club. Dogs Trust will also roll the Puppy Plan out in their rehoming centres. This will be incorporated with the basic puppy training given to puppies that are born onsite and those brought into the charity for rehoming.

The aim of the plan is to help puppies be fully prepared for their future as companion dogs, to improve life for both them and their new owners. The foundations for a puppy’s future behaviour and character are laid down in the first 16 weeks of his or her life. This is a vital time when it is possible to develop the puppy’s brain, and shape the way he or she will turn out as an adult dog. This is also the time when most problem behaviours can be prevented, long before they even start, giving the dog a far more certain future – and the new owner far fewer potential problems.

Communications Director for the Kennel Club Caroline Kisko said “From the moment a litter of puppies is planned, both the breeder and then the new owners want to do everything possible to make sure that each new life has the chance to grow up to be the very best dog it can be.”

“The Puppy Plan will deliver a comprehensive programme that ensures the breeder and new owner have all the support possible to prepare puppies for a long, happy, healthy life.”

Dogs Trust Chief Executive Clarissa Baldwin added “Sadly we see so many under-socialised dogs coming into our rehoming centres as they have been difficult to train and deal with in a home environment as young dogs. These dogs are the lucky ones as they have a second chance to end up in the right home, but too often puppies are being abandoned due to ‘bad’ behaviour.”

“It is hoped the trial is a success with the Kennel Club Assured Breeders and in time can be implemented to anyone and everyone who breeds or is involved in dogs. It will be very interesting to see the results of this in our rehoming centres as the Puppy Plan becomes more widely used.”

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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.