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Classic FM to air special show for pets during fireworks
“The programme has been specifically devised for pets – dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils – who may be upset or nervous on Fireworks Night."
Soothing blend of classical music aims to reduce anxiety 

Classic FM will air a special radio show to keep pets calm during Bonfire Night fireworks displays.

Radio presenter and dog lover Bill Turnbull will host the programme, which airs on Saturday, 3 November.

Put together in association with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the show will offer soothing classical music aimed at calming pets’ nerves and easing anxiety throughout the evening.

It follows a recent study by the Scottish SPCA and University of Glasgow, which found that music has a calming effect on dogs, resulting in a significant decrease in stress levels.

Bill Turnbull said: “The programme has been specifically devised for pets – dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils – who may be upset or nervous on Fireworks Night and may need something to calm them down. This will be their radio refuge.

“The music we play on Classic FM is always relaxing, but what we’ve got lined up is even more chilled than usual and a lot of it will be pet-related. I’ve been very happily presenting to humans for the past two-and-a-half years on Classic FM, so hosting this show will be a pleasure and possibly a step up!”

The show will also include dedications to listeners’ pets, as well as advice from the Battersea team to help worried owners looking to help their animals.

Nathalie Ingham, the charity’s canine behaviour and training manager said: “There is plenty of research on the positive effects classical music can have on emotions and feelings.

“We’ve been playing classical music to the dogs and cats at Battersea for many years as it can have a soothing and calming effect on them. It also reduces the impact of the loud sounds of fireworks.

“We’re regular listeners to Classic FM, it’s a particular favourite of ours.”

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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."