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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th June 2012
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Music improves animal welfare
RSPCA Freedom Food reveals survey results

It has been revealed that 77% of British farmers play music, radio, sing or chat to their animals. The survey published by RSPCA Freedom Food shows the majority of farmers believe music and social stimulation makes their animals more relaxed, calm and content.

Results of the survey, published on 18th June to mark the start of Farm Animal Week, revealed that nearly half (44%) of farmers play music or the radio to their animals. It was also found that 63% of all farmers and 75% of dairy farmers admit to talking to their livestock.

The survey follows research by Writtle College, based in Essex, which indicated that playing a radio tuned into pop music or a chat station can have a positive effect on sow and piglet behaviour, with increased suckling and causing piglets to be more playful.

As part of a new welfare initiative, the RSPCA is looking at ways we can better understand and listen to what animals have to say and help further to improve farm animals’ lives.

Marc Cooper, RSPCA farm animal scientist, commented: "This is about going back to basics and doing what good stock-keepers do best – looking at and listening to their animals to measure how well and happy they are.”

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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. 

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News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."