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Free Range Friday to raise money for rehoming centre
Free Range friday
BHWT urge people to bake cakes on Friday, 23 September to help raise funds towards a new training and rehoming centre.

Hen charity urge people to eat cakes in return for a donation

A hen charity has launched an appeal to raise funds for a new rehoming and education centre.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) has submitted a planning application to build the centre at its base in South Molton, Devon. They expect the build to cost
around £200,000.

Once established, the centre will serve both as a place to re-home caged hens and as a space for holding educational talks and training.

The campaign is set to launch on the first ever British Hen Welfare Day (BHWD) on Friday, 23 September which, the charity hope, will become an annual event.

This year, the BHWT urge people
to get involved by holding a Free Range Friday and invite their friends and family to eat cakes in exchange for a donation towards the centre.

Staff at the charity's headquarters will also get involved by baking cakes and bringing them into the office. We’re also told they will be doing something ‘a little eggstra special’ on the day - details of which will be revealed soon.

“This year has already seen the British Hen Welfare Trust achieve some truly wonderful things, from re-homing our 500,000th hen to carrying on making strides in improving the lives of commercial hens,” commented charity founder Jane Howorth.

“This year we are also looking to build our first flagship re-homing and education centre at Hen Central in North Devon. But to do that we need the help of our wonderful supporters, and we believe that together you can all help us towards our goal.

“So whether it’s inside or out, hot or cold and whether you’ve got 50 people attending or five, get the cakes in, get the kettle boiled and get eating!”

If your practice would like to take part in the event, please contact corinne.hendrie@bhwt.co.uk for an information pack. 

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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.