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New figures indicate pets are good for Government
Figures reveal pet owners pay £2 billion a year in taxes

The Pet Advisory Committee (PAC) has interpreted the Government’s figures and has estimated that pet lovers spent almost £6 billion in 2010 and contributed more than £2 billion a year in taxes.

As the autumn statement approaches, the benefits of pet ownership also extend to the Chancellor. Not only do the figures indicate pet owners contribute a large amount to taxes, independent studies also indicate that health benefits of pet ownership effectively save the NHS as much as £1.5 billion a year.

Figures show that throughout 2010, owners in the EU spent €29 billion on their pets which equates to €12 billion in tax revenues. Social scientists studying the health benefits of pet ownership in Germany estimated savings of €5.5 billion annually.

The PAC points out that not everything can be reduced to hard cash as chair Tracey Crouch MP says ‘What this research shows is the positive contribution pets and their owners make to the economy and towards a healthy society. While the contribution to the economy is easier to identify, the companionship, interaction and exercise pets can give to their owners, in particular the elderly, and the effect this has on their well-being is of equal worth to individuals and society as a whole”.

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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.