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Staffies top the list of stolen pets
“Back gardens are commonly targeted by burglars so it’s essential to ensure gates and any access areas are locked and ideally monitored remotely."
Figures show nearly 2,000 pets reported stolen last year

Staffordshire bull terriers are the most commonly stolen pets, according to data acquired by the Dogs Trust through a freedom of information request.

Figures show nearly 2,000 dogs were reported stolen last year, over 1,000 of which were stolen from homes and gardens.

After Staffies, the most commonly stolen breeds were Chihuahuas, French bulldogs, Jack Russells and pugs.

The Dogs Trust is urging pet owners to check the access points to their homes and gardens, including looking for gaps in the fence and other property boundaries.

Microchips should also be kept up to date and dogs neutered to make them less likely to wander, and less desirable to thieves looking to breed from them.

Dogs Trust has teamed up with security company Yale UK, who will be offering advice to dog owners at some of the charity’s annual fun days.

Stephen Roberts, of Yale UK, commented: “Back gardens are commonly targeted by burglars so it’s essential to ensure gates and any access areas are locked and ideally monitored remotely. This helps to keep your garden secure, along with your beloved pets. Dogs are a member of the family, so it’s just as important to look after them, as it is to protect the house.”

Other steps that can be taken include keeping garden gates locked with a padlock and hasp, along with smart alarms and cameras as a deterrent. Indoor smart security cameras allow dog owners to keep an eye on pets via an app while they are away from the home.

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.