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Hertfordshire agencies unite to tackle illegal puppy trade
puppies
Police are warning members of the public that breeders may resort to intimidation, violence or other coercive behaviour to get what they want.
Follows rise in incidents and crimes in the area

The RSPCA are joining forces with agencies in Hertfordshire to tackle the illegal trade in puppies.

Together with Herts Constabulary and Dacorum Borough Council, the RSPCA aim to educate people of the heartbreak they could face if they buy a puppy from an unlicensed breeder.

The move comes just weeks after the bodies of several puppies were found dumped in undergrowth by a lane in St Albans.

Agencies have also reported an alarming increase of incidents and crimes in the area which are thought to be connected to the illegal puppy trade.

“There are clear links between unlicensed puppy breeding and criminal activity,” commented sergeant Karen Mellor from the Hemel Safer Neighbourhood Team.

“Breeders are believed to be targeting people - often vulnerable individuals - in Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding areas to use their homes to sell puppies, using the property as a meeting place after advertising the dogs online.”

The police are warning members of the public that breeders may resort to intimidation, violence or other coercive behaviour to get what they want.

“Police will take action to protect vulnerable people and investigate any crimes that come to light,” added sgt Mellor.

“We are working together with the RSPCA and Dacorum Borough Council, and are sharing information in order to build up a picture of what is happening so that we can effectively tackle the issue.”

According to Dacorum Borough Council there are currently no licensed commercial dog breeders within the area.

Anyone who believes they may have bought a puppy from an unlicensed breeder, or has concerns about the welfare of dogs and/or puppies at a premises in the area, should call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 123

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
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Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."