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Fire service pays tribute to ‘hero’ rescue dog
Holly with her handler Neil Woodmansey.

Labrador Holly worked for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue

Tributes have been paid to a well-known fire and rescue dog who has sadly passed away.


Black labrador Holly (15) was one of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s most renowned dogs, earning herself many awards for her work.


Working with the Urban Search and Rescue team, she was involved in rescuing casualties from events like earthquakes, explosions and building collapses.

Following the Haiti and Pakistan earthquakes, Holly helped search and rescue teams reach multiple casualties trapped in the rubble. She also assisted in the wake of the Stockline Plastics explosion in Glasgow.


In 2011, Holly was crowned Golden Oldie at the Dogs Trust Honours. The labrador ran with her handler, Neil Woodmansey, in the Olympic Torch relay and was later dubbed ‘Sleafordian of the Year’.


Since the news of Holly’s death, tributes have been pouring into Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue’s Facebook page.

One person commented: ’Pleased to have had the pleasure of meeting her and seeing her in action, so sad! Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue has lost a vital member who deserves an appropriate send-off and memorial!’

‘Another said: ‘Holly served her whole life, she is now with all the other SAR & working dogs I've had the pleasure of working with. Run painless & free Sweet Ol' Girl! SAR & other working dogs are VERY special. Their humans too.’

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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...
News Shorts
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."