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New initiative to support horse owners
Network set up to help owners considering euthanasia

The British Horse Society has set up a network of volunteers to support horse owners who are struggling with the decision of whether to put their animal to sleep.

According to Lee Hackett from the welfare department at BHS, the charity regularly receives calls about "old much-loved horses" whose owners seem unwilling to have them euthanised. He adds that owners have a variety of reasons for avoiding euthanasia, but tend to find the decision even more difficult when the horse is not old but suffers from a chronic injury or behavioural issues.

"More and more people simply cannot afford to have field ornaments," he says, "yet often the horse is not suitable to be sold on. Some people assume a charity will be able to take the horse on, but this is hardly ever the case."

The initiative by the BHS is in part a response to the growing number of neglected or abandoned horses being referred to charities. British charities do not have the resources or room to handle the numbers being referred.

The BHS has trained 100 of its welfare officers around the country to act as advisors and provide support to owners considering euthanasia. They have been trained in bereavement counselling as well as horse welfare. Named "Friends at the End", the volunteers will also attend the euthanasia if the owner feels unable to.

More information can be found by contacting the BHS welfare team via email.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.