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Donkey Sanctuary works with police for ‘Operation Gallop’
Police officers joined the Donkey Sanctuary for a training session.
The initiative is tackling equine crime and promoting animal welfare.

The Donkey Sanctuary is working with the Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team as part of a national initiative to tackle equine-related crime.

Operation Gallop has seen the Rural Affairs Team connect with equine communities to share crime prevention advice and build stronger relationships, with the Donkey Sanctuary also sharing specific equine guidance.

During the visit to the Sidmouth site, the Donkey Sanctuary’s welfare team presented the police officers with a training session, exploring donkey care and behaviour. As well as explaining how donkeys’ needs differ from horses, the team also covered practical topics including equine identification and passport legislation.

This is the second time Devon and Cornwall Police and Rural Affairs team has visited the Donkey Sanctuary, after previously providing crime prevention advice and forensic property marking vital equipment.

PC Lucy Wyatt, rural affairs officer at Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “As a rural policing team, we encounter a wide variety of animal-related issues, and it’s vital that we understand the different needs of animals in our communities.

“Donkeys, for example, are more stoic than horses, more prone to certain health issues like obesity and hoof problems and respond differently to stress and handling. The training has been incredibly valuable in helping us identify potential welfare concerns and avoid incorrect assumptions based on horse behaviour.”

Hannah Bryer, the Donkey Sanctuary’s head of welfare, added: “Welcoming the Devon and Cornwall Rural Policing Team to our headquarters this week provided a valuable opportunity for officers to learn about the needs and behaviour of donkeys and mules. This knowledge will help them in the field and give them a greater understanding of the support available through our welfare team.

“Partnerships like this play a crucial role in helping us reach more donkeys and their owners. By working together, we can strengthen our impact within communities and continue our mission to improve the lives of donkeys every day.”

Image © The Donkey Sanctuary

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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
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.