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Children read to dogs for National Storytelling Week
Image: Kennel Club
Bark and Read Scheme encourages children to read to dogs

As part of a nation-wide celebration of storytelling this week, dogs have become the unlikely reading partners of children. National Storytelling Week, which runs from 26 January to 2 February, aims to promote storytelling in schools, libraries, museums and art galleries across the UK.

The Kennel Club have joined in with the awareness drive by funding the Bark and Read Scheme, supporting charities that take dogs into schools and libraries for children to read to. The scheme has been running for just over 12 months, and aims to improve confidence by encouraging children to read to a non-judgemental companion.

According to the Kennel Club's librarian Ciara Farrell, the scheme has seen fantastic results, with reading levels shooting up, and children becoming more confident and interested in reading. She said: "National Storytelling Week is a great opportunity to highlight the value of the art of storytelling. Bark and Read has had some fantastic results from children reading to dogs - one school has seen a pupil's reading age increase by two years in just six months.

"I hope all the children involved have a great time reading their favourite stories to their four-legged friends in celebration of National Storytelling Week."

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary added: “Storytelling is an important part of education. Reading stories can help build confidence and improve literacy skills and reading to dogs is proven to help develop these skills through both the calming effect of the dog and the fact that the dog will listen to a child read without being critical."

Actress Zoe Wanamaker CBE also supports the scheme, calling it "an inspiring idea." She adds: "We all know that dogs are great listeners and won't judge if we stumble over a word. The concept makes reading time fun and helps to develop children's self esteem and passion for reading while they're still finding their voice."


The Bark and Read Foundation supports four charities: Pets As Therapy, through their Read 2 Dogs programme; Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ); Dogs Helping Kids, a North Devon charity, and Caring Canines, based in Bournemouth.

Click here for more information on the Bark and Read Scheme.

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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.