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Staffie breaks good citizen record
Rescue dog is first to receive award in two countries

A nine-year-old rescue dog from Brighton has become the first dog to be awarded Good Citizen status in two countries.

The Staffordshire bull terrier cross, Maxx, was adopted by current owner Tracey Davidson in New York. Approximately nine kilograms underweight, two-year-old Maxx was despondent, nervous and suffering from several illnesses.

In order to build his confidence, Tracey took him to Canine Good Citizen training classes in Brooklyn, and he passed the test in 2008.

Following this, the pair moved to the UK in 2011, and began training with the Kennel Club (KC) Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme in September 2012.

Since then Maxx has already achieved both Bronze and Silver awards, making him the first dog to ever achieve the good citizen awards in two countries.

Tracey says: "My motivation for training Maxx was to show the public in both the US and UK that Staffies make perfect companions when given proper training by responsible owners."

Tracey's determination has been applauded by instructors at the obedience club. KC accredited instructor, Di Morgan, said: "Tracey is a great handler who has a wonderful rapport with Maxx. We’re delighted that Maxx has achieved this one-of-a-kind accolade. He is a lovely dog."

Image: Tracey and Maxx, Kennel Club

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'