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Women jailed for leaving cow to suffer
freisian cattle
The RSPCA has urged people to seek help immediately if they cannot look after their animals.
Heifer found collapsed with advanced maggot infestation

Two women have been jailed and disqualified from keeping cattle for seven years, after a heifer was left to suffer on a farm in Masbury, Wells.

Sally Ann Parfitt, 48, was sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment by Bristol Magistrate's Court on April 16. Lucy Williamson, 22, was handed a 20 week sentence.

The defendants, of Thrupe Lane, Masbury, were ordered to pay £3,000 each in costs, as well as the seven-year ban on keeping cattle.

A Friesian type heifer is said to have been found collapsed in September 2012. It is thought she had been in this condition for at least a week due to internal injuries as a result of complications related to calving.

The heifer had not received veterinary treatment and was suffering an advanced maggot infestation in the wound. She was euthanised to prevent further suffering.

RSPCA inspector Hayley Lawrence urged animal owners to seek help immediately if they cannot look after their animals.

"Those responsible for animals have a duty to provide them with the right care and this includes veterinary treatment. All this cow needed was the right level of care and treatment from those who were supposed to know how to look after her but instead she was left in pain for some time." 

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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.