Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th August 2014
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Happy Staffie crowned nation's smiliest pet
Harvey the Staffordshire bull terrier
Harvey will be awarded the prize of a pet photoshoot so that his winning smile can be captured forever
Harvey, a Staffordshire bull terrier, wins competition to find country's smiliest pet

A Staffordshire bull terrier from Horley in Surrey has been crowned the country's smiliest pet. The Staffie, named Harley, beat off competition from over 200 other pets including dogs, cats, parrots and even a sheep, following a nationwide search to find the pet with the winning smile.

Run by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), the competition forms part of the I heart my pet campaign, which has been designed to celebrate the love that UK pet owners feel for their animals, to encourage them to think about the health of their pets and to seek independent, expert animal healthcare advice.

The winner was voted by a judging panel, which included celebrity vet Marc Abraham, and will be awarded the prize of a pet photoshoot - so that his winning smile can be captured forever.

April Gargiulo, Harvey's owner, said: “We’re so excited that Harvey has won this prize and is getting some recognition for how amazing and happy he is – he really deserves it. Even though he’s getting on a bit at the grand old age of 10, Harvey still runs around like a puppy and is in amazing shape for his age.

“He enjoys long walks and is also a fantastic swimmer, regularly fetching sticks from our local doggie-dip pond. We feed him a varied diet of quality dog food and fruit and veg to keep him happy and healthy.”

NOAH urge pet owners to ensure their pet's healthcare needs are taken care of throughout the year. A range of advice from veterinary and pet care professionals for all species can be found at www.pethealthinfo.org.uk, alongside tips for keeping pets happy and healthy all year round.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.