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Battersea calls for 'urgent dog legislation reform'
New figures on strays published

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has called for 'urgent dog legislation reform' after figures on the number of stray dogs taken in by the charity last year reveal that 2715 dogs (approximately 72% of the total intake) had no form of identification or microchipping. Such a lack of means of identification is illegal under the auspices of The Control of Dogs Order 1992, which mandates the wearing collars, tags or other means of identification for dogs in a public place.

Commenting, Battersea's Chief Executive Claire Horton said "Battersea works on the frontline of animal welfare and continually sees the relentless fallout from ineffective dog legislation. The Government must introduce desperately-needed amendments to outdated laws. The sheer number of stray dogs needing our help shows just how grave the situation is and it shows no signs of abating."

"We've been waiting far too long for the Government to reform the current failed dog laws. Battersea takes in 14 dogs every single day and it's a huge concern to us when we are powerless to trace the irresponsible owners who dump their dogs or simply let them run off. We'll continue to do all we can to help these animals but we really need to know that the Government is playing its part in helping to sort the stray dog crisis on our streets." Ms. Horton added.

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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.