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Cat sets up home at new Dogs Trust centre
Dog the Mog
Dog the Mog, the Dogs Trust's first feline resident.
Local tabby cat makes herself at home in new Dogs Trust centre in Essex 

Although it doesn't officially open until June 2, Dogs Trust Essex has already acquired its first resident - a tabby cat!

Affectionately known to staff as "Dog the Mog", the local feline seems to have chosen the £7.4 million rescue centre as a good place to set up home.

Maria Wickes, Dogs Trust Essex Rehoming Centre manager, commented:

“One morning this skinny kitty just arrived at the gates and she has made frequent visits ever since. It is ironic that our first unofficial resident would be a cat but we are all animal lovers and we adore her, even if she meows rather than barks at us each morning!”

Staff are hoping that someone from the public will recognise her if she is a pet or local farm cat.

“She is rather feral and isn’t keen on human company unless she is being fed. So, it could be that she is simply a feral cat. Please do get in touch with us if you recognise her. Otherwise, we are very happy to welcome her to Dogs Trust Essex.”

Animal lovers across the county are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first dogs to the state-of-the-art centre, once the building work has been completed.

Image courtesy of Dogs Trust

 

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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.