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RVC professor wins animal research award
Professor Wells recieved the honour at the annual Openess Awards in London.

Dominic Wells awarded for ‘outstanding contribution to openness’

RVC Professor Dominic Wells has been presented with a prestigious award for ‘outstanding contribution to openness in animal research’.

Professor Wells received the honour at the annual Openness Awards in London on Tuesday (3 December), hosted by Understanding Animal Research (UAR). The “UAR Individual Award” was given to Dominic Wells in recognition of his ‘outstanding’ work within the sector to promote the responsible use of animals.

Professor Wells said: “I am absolutely delighted to have received this award from Understanding Animal Research and am grateful for the support I have received from the RVC. My contribution to the sector stems from a true passion for animal research and it is an honour to be recognised in this way.”

Professor Wells was nominated for his numerous contributions to the UAR, including regular discussions with the media, MPs and other stakeholders on the use of animals in research. His nominators also praised his roles as chair of the Animal Sciences Group at the Royal Society of Biology, and co-chair of the UK Bioscience Sector Coalition.

The UAR Openness Awards celebrate the achievements of the sector in honouring their commitment to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research. The awards seek to recognise those who have championed openness on animal research over the years and continue to do so.

This year, the UAR Individual Award was also presented to Val Summers from the Laboratory Animal Science Association. In a Tweet, Understanding Animal Research praised Ms Summers ‘for going ‘above and beyond in her work, ensuring that public and media engagement around #animalresearch is at the top of the agenda.’

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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.