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Animal welfare group trains doggy drivers
Image: SPCA
Dogs taught to drive to show their intelligence and encourage adoption

An animal welfare group in New Zealand has spent eight weeks teaching three of its shelter dogs to drive.

The welfare group, Aukland SPCA, trained the dogs in order to show how intelligent they are and to encourage people to adopt them.

Three dogs were chosen from a group of seven, Porter, Monty and Ginny. They were given daily training exercises to familiarise themselves with the procedures of driving and then after eight weeks were put behind the wheel.

A Mini Cooper was specially adapted for the dogs and it was reported that they were able to put it in gear, accelerate and steer the vehicle. However, the next step for the SPCA is to train them to drive solo as they still require the help of an assistant.

Auckland SPCA chief Christine Kalin said: "They will hop in, start the car, put it into gear, use the accelerator.

"It's an off-road raceway track and at all times we have a remote capacity to stop the car should we need to."

Ms Kalin described the three pooches as "highly adoptable", adding: "They are very intelligent, but they aren't any more special than any of the other SPCA dogs.

"Our dream would be throughout our major cities and across Australasia will be people will be proud of owning a rescue dog."

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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.