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Battersea scoops Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
The volunteers from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home regularly visit retired servicemen and women at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
 
A group of volunteers from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is set to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Since 2011, the group has been visiting retired servicemen and women at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Together with Battersea dogs, the volunteers visit the pensioners in the infirmary or go into their room to keep them company.

Charlotte Fielder, Battersea’s head of volunteering, fostering & communities said: “Battersea is absolutely thrilled that the work of this amazing and dedicated group of volunteers has been recognised with a Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

“We couldn’t be more proud of our caring, kind and compassionate volunteers who regularly take Battersea dogs to visit the Chelsea Pensioners, offering both human and canine companionship. It’s heart-warming to witness the joy these visits can bring”.

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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.