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Recommendations for dangerous dogs law
Efra report suggests cover for protected animals

Cats Protection has welcomed the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee's suggestion that the law on dangerous dogs be extended to cover animals.

While the Draft Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill is currently out for scrutiny, Efra has recommended in a report that the law should include dog attacks that injure any protected animal – including cats.

Protected animals are defined as any animal with a backbone, other than man. Therefore, this includes mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and amphibians but does not apply to animals in foetal, larval or embryonic form.

Jacqui Cuff, advocacy manager at Cats Protection, said: "We very much welcome this recommendation and are pleased that the issue was raised in yesterday's House of Commons debate.

"On average there is one reported fatal dog attack on a cat every week in England alone and, tragically, the current law does not provide adequate protection from such attacks."

The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) has not yet responded as to whether the Bill will be extended to cover protected animals.

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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.