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BA launch new pet channel for passengers
Alfie the pug with BA crew Helena
Alfie the pug with BA crew Helena

Airline introduces 'Paws & Relax" - an in-flight entertainment channel featuring footage of cats and dogs

BA's new in-flight entertainment channel, dedicated to showing cute footage of cats, kittens, dogs and puppies, is due to launch next month on British Airways' long-haul flights.

The airline hopes that the channel, entitled Paws & Relax, will provide entertaining footage, benefit pasengers' overall well-being and relaxation, and improve levels of concentration.

British Airways’ in-flight entertainment manager, Richard D’Cruze, said: “It might sound barking, but there’s lots of research to suggest that watching pets can enhance overall wellbeing. We have sniffed out some fantastic content that is cute, comforting and sure to appeal to travellers of all ages.”

The channel is set to feature a number of popular cartoons, documentaries and television shows, including internet sensation Simon's Cat, The Secret Life of Cats and America's Cutest Dog.

British Airways has teamed up with experts at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for insight into the benefits of pet ownership. In a trailer to launch the channel, the airline features some of its pets looking for rehoming - including; Alfie the Pug, Sky the Siberian Husky, Angelica the Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross and kittens Karma, Knight and Karis.

Laura Lambert responsible for rehoming & welfare at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home said: “We know that people love watching dogs and cats. They can make you laugh, smile, and cry. They are wonderful companions when you're feeling anxious or just need a lift, and we believe that British Airways’ Paws & Relax channel will be the perfect way for passengers to sit back and relax.”

Paws & Relax can be found in the entertainment section of the airline’s in-flight library from September.

 Images courtesy of British Airways (C) Nick Morrish

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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.