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Animal rescues axed in Welsh fire cuts
Cows in flood
NWFR were called to over 60 incidents in North Wales involving animals in the last two years.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority currently faces cuts of up to £3.3m

Firefighters in North Wales will stop rescuing large animals in distress from April as they no longer have the funds for it.

The North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority (NWFR) currently faces cuts of up to £3.3m over the next five years and plans to scrap this "non statutory" service in an attempt to protect its core service.

A recent Freedom of Information request by the Daily Post revealed that in the last two years, NWFR crews were called to more than 60 incidents across North Wales involving animals.

The incidents included a group of horses stuck in quick sand, a cow stuck in a ditch and a lamb that had fallen down a cliff.

In a statement the chair of North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority,  Councillor Meirick Davies, said:  “It is undoubtedly a challenging time for all public services as we are faced by diminishing budgets. It is important to view recent decisions made by the Fire Authority in the context of being faced with a potential shortfall in the budget for the next five years in the region of up to £3.3 million, which could threaten our core fire and rescue services.

“At the Authority’s December meeting, it was decided by members that we should aim to maintain the current level of service in the 2015-16 budget, with the help of a minimum increase in the levy provided by local councils.

“Whilst regrettable and certainly not a decision that was taken lightly, members voted to reduce some of the non-statutory services provided by the fire and rescue service, namely related to rope and large animal rescues, to avoid any reduction in core services.

“Some of these services which will no longer be provided are already duplicated by alternative providers with skills in this type of rescue work."

North Wales Fire and Rescue say that they are currently in the process of putting into effect an awareness raising campaign in readiness for the changes that will come into effect on April 1. They hope that the campaign will raise awareness amongst the public and will minimise any confusion and risk. 

Image (C) Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

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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.