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Friends for Life winners announced
Owen and Haatchi
Companionship between dog and owner celebrated

Seven-year-old Owen Howkins and his three-legged Anatolian shepherd, Haatchi, have been announced winners of the Crufts Friends for Life competition.

The award celebrates the pair's bravery, support and companionship to one another, and recognises that one-year-old Haatchi has truly earned his title as man's best friend.

As a small puppy, Haatchi was tied to a railway line and hit by a train. Both his tail and one of his back legs were amputated as a result.

A month later, he found a new home with Owen, who suffers from a rare genetic condition called Schwartz-Jampel syndrome. This condition causes his muscles to constantly tense.

Owen was always shy and withdrawn, but when Haatchi came along, he was given a new lease of life. He was encouraged to meet a dog that needed regular medical attention just like him.

After being awarded the trophy at the recent Crufts event, Owen said: "I am glad that Haatchi is in my life because he makes me smile all the time and is my best friend."

Owen was also given a cheque for £1,500 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which he has chosen to donate to the Naomi House children's hospice.

Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, commented: "We congratulate Owen and Haatchi on winning this award. They are truly deserving winners and their story is so incredibly moving.

"Each and every one of the finalists today have helped to change and save lives, and can teach us all a lesson about loyalty, companionship and bravery."

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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.