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.
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

Battersea to host festive photo shoot
festive photo shoot
Santa with former Battersea dogs at Old Windsor.

Event will raise money for the 9,000 homeless residents the charity cares for each year

Dog owners looking for the perfect Christmas gift should look no further than Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in Old Windsor, who are inviting owners and their four-legged friends to take part in a Christmas photo shoot.

At the Berkshire rescue centre, christmassy canines and their owners will be able to cosy up with Santa Claus in his sleigh and take home a personalised photo.

The photo shoot forms part of the rescue centre's Santa Paws event, where there will be mince pies, Christmas cards and dog treats on sale to raise money for the 9,000 homeless residents the charity cares for each year.

Battersea's Old Windsor centre manager, Kaye Mughal, said: "We are so excited to welcome lots of dogs and their families to our centre to make a Christmas memory at Battersea and help raise money for the unfortunate dogs and cats that will not be spending Christmas in a loving, permanent home this year. Everyone is welcome to join us and we hope it will be a great event where pets can have their photo taken with the one and only Santa Paws."

One dog who will be spending Christmas in foster care is two-year-old Biscuit, who arrived at the centre as a stray in February 2013. On average, dogs spend just under 30 days waiting for a home, but Biscuit has now been in Battersea's care for 650 days.

Kate Mughal added: "To have waited 650 days for a new home must be very frustrating for poor Biscuit, and as its coming up to Christmas we want to make this his best Christmas yet."

The Santa Paws event takes place on Sunday, December 7 from 10.30 - 3.30pm. For more information visit www.battersea.org.uk

Image (C) Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

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.