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XL bully neutering scheme extended
The scheme will continue until all current funding has been allocated.

The fund supports owners with neutering costs.

A financial assistance scheme, organised to support owners of XL bully type dogs with neutering costs, has been extended.

The extension comes as the scheme, launched by the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Battersea, receives more applications for support ahead of the neutering deadline on 30 June.

From 30 June 2024, XL bully type dogs which were over the age of one on 31 January 2024 must be neutered.

Dogs which were less than one-year-old, but over seven months old, should be neutered by 31 December 2024. A recent extension means that dogs which were under the age of seven months on 31 January 2023 must be neutered by 30 June 2025.

Owners must then send confirmation of neutering, signed by their veterinary surgeon, to Defra.

To meet the demand for financial support, the scheme has now been extended. It will now continue to run until all the current funding has been allocated.

The XL bully neutering scheme is designed to support owners of XL bully type dogs who have applied for exemption for their dog, but for whom financial hardship makes it difficult for them to meet the neutering requirements.

Veterinary practices must apply for the fund on their client’s behalf. Clients may be eligible for up to £250, dependent on the dog’s gender and the procedure.

The exemption scheme is on track to support 1,000 owners with their neutering costs. There are over 450 veterinary practices currently registered to the scheme.

The charities say that owners of XL bully type dogs should not delay in getting their pet neutered, and should speak to their veterinary practice about financial support if needed.

Cassie Newman, RSPCA assistant director of animal services, said: “The ban on XL bullies left a lot of dog-owners worried about the future of their beloved pet.

“We know that there are many much-loved XL bullies out there but whose owners couldn’t afford to pay for the neutering requirement, and we are really pleased that this scheme has been popular.

“We hope the scheme will help avoid some situations where owners might otherwise choose euthanasia because of cost concerns.”

Image © Shutterstock

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BSAVA's new president starts role

News Story 1
 Julian Hoad has been confirmed as the new president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), taking over from Carl Gorman.

The veterinary surgeon is the BSAVA's 67th president, and has described stepping into the role as the pinnacle of his veterinary career.

Speaking at the BSAVA's AGM, Dr Hoad said: "I really do believe that the BSAVA will continue to go from strength to strength and will continue to maintain its relevance and position as the indispensable voice of the small animal veterinary profession." 

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News Shorts
Rise in temperature means increased bluetongue risk

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has warned that the recent rise in temperature means there is now an increased risk of bluetongue in England.

Although there have been no confirmed cases of the disease since March, the most recent risk assessment found that there is a very high probability of the virus being brought over by windborne midges from northern Europe.

Farms along the east and south coast of England, from Norfolk to East Sussex, are at the highest risk. Farmers are being asked to monitor their animals regularly for signs of the virus.

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: "We know that the likelihood of bluetongue virus entering Great Britain is increasing and so I would urge farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency."