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Charity worried by rise in 'designer' dog rescues
puggle
The number of unwanted crossbreeds and fashionable or 'designer' dogs taken in by the charity is climbing.
Demand for certain breeds could fuel the puppy trade

The RSPCA says it has seen a 'worrying rise' in the number of fashionable, designer dog breeds coming into its centres. Increasing demand for certain breeds is feared to be fuelling the puppy farm trade.

Overall the number of dogs coming into the charity's centres has fallen in recent years - from 3,131 in 2012, to 2,600 last year.

Even typically common rescue breeds, such as Staffordshire bull terriers, lurchers and Jack Russells, are on the decline.

But the number of unwanted crossbreeds and fashionable or 'designer' dogs taken in by the charity is climbing. In 2012, the charity only took in two bichon frise crosses, but last year this figure rose to 22.

Chihuahua crosses needing the charity's shelter also rose from two to 21 in the same period, while pug crosses climbed from six to 14.

The charity has seen fluctuations in husky type breeds over the past few years, thought to be the result of culture trends such as the Twilight films and Games of Thrones series.

The concern is that as responsible breeders cannot keep up with the demand for certain breeds, prospective dogs owners naively turn to puppy farmers, all too often purchasing dogs with health and behavioural problems which end up in the care of charities like the RSPCA.

In October 2015 the RSPCA launched its Scrap the Puppy Trade campaign which aims to tackle irresponsible breeders, traders and importers selling dogs in the UK.

Image © RSPCA

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes fifth Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology

The BSAVA has published the fifth edition of its BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology.

The new edition has been reviewed and updated, including new developments in diagnostics, therapeutic approaches and clinical decision-making. It is structured to support clinicians through diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

The guide features five new chapters covering acute myelopathies, chronic myelopathies, emergency protocols, neurotoxicology and neuro-oncology.

It also includes over 100 videos, including demonstrations of neurological examinations, clinical presentations and diagnostic procedures.

Nicola Lloyd, publishing manager, said: "Whether you're a general practitioner seeking practical guidance, or a specialist aiming to refine your expertise, this edition remains an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the care of neurologically compromised dogs and cats."