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Good deeds for dogs awarded at ceremony
Image: Award winners
Recognition for those helping both dogs and dog owners

An award ceremony has been held by the Kennel Club (KC) to recognise those that have performed good deeds for dogs over the last 12 months.

The Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme (GCDS) Awards and the KC Dog Awards were held at the beginning of February, involving a prize-giving ceremony to honour the winners.

Set up in 1992, the GCDS promotes socially acceptable dogs via a quality standard of training for dogs and their owners, incorporating many domestic obedience exercises. GCDS is now the largest dog training scheme in the UK, with over 430,000 certificates of achievement awarded to those who have successfully passed tests.

The GCDS awards recognise the efforts of those organisations that help train dogs and educate their owners on the importance of responsible dog ownership. There is currently around 1,800 dog training clubs and organisations using the scheme in the UK.

An award for outstanding service was presented to Mr Bill Hardaway, who was GCDS chairman from 1991 - 2010 and responsible for launching the scheme. Over the years, Mr Hardaway helped to implement many of its initiatives, including the annual awards, which are now in their 16th year.

The KC Dog awards acknowledge politicians, local authorities, public bodies and individuals that take action against the likes of dog walking restrictions.

Those that were recognised included Lochaber and District Canine Society, East Lothian Council, North Hertfordshire District Council and Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen.

KC Chairman Steve Dean commented at the ceremony: "These awards are an opportunity for us to credit the actions taken by our training groups, politicians, local authorities, groups and individuals to ensure that the UK’s dogs continue to enjoy maximum access to the our open spaces.



“We really do feel that you, and many others, have all done fantastic work in promoting responsible dog ownership in local communities and all deserve a huge vote of thanks.

"Your enthusiasm and dedication help organisations like the Kennel Club to promote responsible dog ownership and canine welfare, and we extend our appreciation for helping us make a positive difference for dogs and their owners.”

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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.