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Dog sparks house fire by switching on microwave
The dog (not pictured) inadvertently switched on its owner's microwave and sparked a small house fire.
Owner made aware of the fire by an app on his mobile phone 

A dog from Essex caused quite a stir on Monday (2 December) when it inadvertently switched on its owner’s microwave, sparking a small house fire.

The husky was alone in the house at the time and was able to reach up to the kitchen worktop to turn on the appliance.

According to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the microwave contained a packet of bread rolls that began to burn and filled the kitchen with smoke.

Luckily, the dog’s owner had an app on his mobile phone that allowed him to view live footage from a camera that was set up in his house.

"Clearly this is a very strange incident involving the man's dog, but it could still have been more serious,” said Geoff Wheal, watch manager at Corringham Fire Station.

"When we arrived, the kitchen was filled with smoke. Firefighters ensured that the damage did not spread beyond the kitchen area - but it demonstrates that microwaves shouldn't be used to store food when they aren't in use.

"Our advice is to always keep your microwave clean and free of clutter or food and any packaging. Animals or children can turn them on more easily than you might think - so please don't run the risk."

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the dog was unharmed. 

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.