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Mr Pickles named Battersea's naughtiest dog
Mr Pickles
Cheeky beagle wreaks havoc on series finale

An errant beagle by the name of Mr Pickles has gained a reputation as one of Battersea's naughtiest dogs, due to his mischievous antics.

The one-year-old Mr Pickles was taken to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in January after his owners moved home and could no longer look after him.

Since then, he has sadly been rehomed and brought back to Battersea twice because of his wayward behaviour, which includes shoe-stealing, jumping on tables, barking and leaving a trail of destruction behind him.

Anyone who tunes in to the series finale of Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs on July 4, will see Mr Pickles wreaking havoc whilst dog lover Paul O'Grady attempts to train him!

The mischievous Beagle has now been moved from London to Battersea's Old Windsor Centre, in the hope that the quiet countryside of West Berkshire will have a calming influence on him.

"Mr Pickles is doing much better here, although he’s still very cheeky," says Vicky Snook, senior rehomer. "His favourite thing is stealing objects he shouldn’t have and turning it into a game.

"He can be a bit of a naughty boy but he’s had a really unsettled start to life. He’s got a great character and has lots of potential. All he needs is someone with lots of experience – and plenty of patience!"

The series finale of Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs will air tonight on ITV at 8:30pm. Battersea is hoping to find Mr Pickles an owner who is willing to take on a training challenge.

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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.