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RSPCA reminds vets of dedicated resources
Veterinary professionals do not have to wait on the RSPCA's busy cruelty line to report an animal welfare issue.
Vets can access specific Vetline to report welfare issues.

The RSPCA has released new advice for veterinary professionals on how to access RSPCA support and information.

With the RSPCA expecting an unprecedented summer of animal welfare work, it is reminding veterinary professionals of the dedicated resources that the charity has set up to support them.

A dedicated Vetline is available for veterinary professionals to call, so that they do not have to wait on the charity's busy cruelty line to report a welfare issue. 

Operational between 8am and 8pm, the Vetline can be reached on 0300 123 8022. The Vetline number has previously been staffed until 11pm, but as the charity's working hours have been consolidated to when they are most necessary, the RSPCA is making veterinary professionals aware of the change.

Alongside the Vetline, the RSPCA veterinary team has an email address, veterinary@rspca.org.uk, specifically to support and advise veterinary professionals.

Chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA, Caroline Allen, said: “It is hoped these changes will ensure that we focus our resources to deal with the animals most in need of our help at peak times when more animals need us.”

She explained that the charity is continuing to ask the public to take injured stray animals or wildlife to local veterinary practices or wildlife centres in order to receive the urgent care required. Caroline said: “We appreciate this may put extra pressure on already stretched vet teams, but we have to be open about our capacity and that we may not always be best placed to help an animal in urgent need. 

“We want to ensure we can focus our resources on the most serious cases of cruelty and neglect where others cannot help. Sadly, we are already seeing an increase in this work.

“We always advise the public to phone ahead, rather than just turning up at a vet practice, and will be reiterating this point which we hope will go some way to helping.

“We remain extremely grateful for the vet profession's help and understanding during this challenging time across the animal welfare and care sector.”

Information on what veterinary surgeons should do in cruelty or neglect situations, and how to write a prosecution statement, is available on this dedicated website – the username to access the material is vet.practice@rspca.org.uk and the password is RSPCA1824. 

If any veterinary surgeons have trouble accessing the materials, please contact the RSPCA for help.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.