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What if pets had superpowers?

Survey reveals owners wish pets could chat to them

A recent survey conducted by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) has found that a third of owners wish their pet could talk.

The survey, conducted on the charity's social media sites, asked UK owners what superpower they wish their pet had.

While the majority would like their pet to be able to chat with them about their day, one in eight owners wanted their pet to have the power to live forever with eternal health.

The third most popular answer was far more practical, with about one in 10 owners wishing their pet could pick up their own mess or clean out their litter tray.

Other answers included the power of bravery for an anxious rescue dog and the power to escape abuse and mistreatment.

Elaine Pendlebury, senior veterinary surgeon for the PDSA, said: "These answers clearly show how important pets are to people.

"While we don't have a magic wand to grant eternal health, there are plenty of simple things owners can do to help improve their pets' lives. A great place to start is by learning about the five animal welfare needs designed to keep pets healthy and happy."

Click here to find out more.

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.