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New guidance to help vets recognise signs of dog fighting
Dog fighting is prevalent in urban and rural areas across the UK and involves many different breeds.
Resource gives advice on recording injuries and reporting concerns

New guidance for veterinary surgeons and nurses on dog fighting has been published by the League Against Cruel Sports.

The ‘Advice for the veterinary community’ resource is free to download and describes the warning signs of dog fighting. It also gives vets and nurses guidance on how to record injuries and report their concerns.

“Veterinary staff are on the front-line when it comes to seeing injuries that dogs may have suffered as a result of dog fighting and this advice sheet offers clear guidance on how to recognise, record and report the signs of this terrible crime,” said Suzanne Heaney, dog fighting program manager.

“By following this advice, staff will be well-informed about how to act when one of their patients raises concerns that they may have been injured through dog fighting."

Dog fighting is prevalent in urban and rural areas across the UK and involves many different breeds, including terriers, mastiffs and bull breeds. The training methods used to prepare dogs to fight see the victims endure immense pain and suffering.

Warning signs of dog fighting include multiple scars in various stages of healing. Typically these are wounds are to the head, neck, chest, and forelimbs. The dog may also present with damage to its teeth and gums, and his ears and tails may be crudely chopped. 

The advice sheet is available to view online or download from www.league.org.uk. Veterinary clinics can also request a practice pack including dog fighting client information leaflets and waiting room posters from campaign@league.org.uk.
 
Anyone with information about dog fighting can confidentially contact the League Against Cruel Sports Animal Crimewatch service on 01483 361108 / www.league.org.uk/crimewatch.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."