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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd March 2018
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Dog lawfully shot after killing pregnant ewes
Some 15,000 sheep were killed by dogs in 2016.
Unsupervised hound attacked flock of 80  

A dog has been shot by a farmer in Country Durham after killing two pregnant ewes.

According to Farmers Weekly, the German-shepherd type dog was unsupervised when it attacked a flock of 80 pregnant ewes in a field near Howden-le-Wear last Thursday evening (15 March).

The attack took place on two in-lamb ewes who were both expecting twins. One of the ewes died from her injuries and the other had to be put to sleep. It is not yet known how the attack affected the remainder of the flock.

To prevent further attacks, the farmer made the decision to legally shoot the dog. Another dog which was also at the scene was able to escape.

Investigating police officers said that no one was seen with the dogs at any point during the attack. The dog that was shot did not have a microchip and was not wearing a collar.

According to information obtained by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW), some 15,000 sheep were killed by dogs in 2016. In light of these findings, a police working group is calling for new powers to tackle dog attacks.

The powers include making it a legal obligation for owners to report attacks, giving police power to seize dogs and making dog attacks a recordable crime. The working group also wants to see the creation of a dog DNA database in order to catch re-offenders.

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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.