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Volunteers join RSPCA’s Big Help Out campaign
'Wildlife Friends' pledge their time on and before 8 May to complete small tasks to support, nurture and protect wildlife.
The initiative invites people to pledge their time to help local wildlife.

To mark the King’s Coronation, volunteers are dedicating time to support the wildlife in their local area as part of the RSPCA’s Big Help Out campaign.

So far, more than 500 people have signed up for the campaign which was launched on 20 March. By getting involved in the initiative, 'Wildlife Friends' pledge their time on and before 8 May to complete small tasks to support, nurture and protect the wildlife in their local or wider community.

Volunteers are encouraged to take part in activities such as organising a litter pick, putting food out for hedgehogs, building nest boxes for wild animals and rewilding gardens.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “We are recruiting ‘Wildlife Friends’ to give people the chance to join thousands of others making a difference at the Big Help Out on May 8.

“We all share our neighbourhoods with wonderful wildlife and we need to protect them - so by becoming an RSPCA Wildlife Friend, animal lovers can join with their community to make a safe space for the animals who share our world.”

RSPCA head of volunteering Brian Reeves added: “We can all do our bit for animals and ‘Wildlife Friends’ is great for anyone who can spare a few minutes or a couple of hours. These things will all make a huge difference for wild animals, and their welfare - and we’re hoping even more amazing volunteers join us as part of the Big Help Out between now and May 8.”

Those interested in getting involved with The Big Help Out, can find more information on the RSPCA’s website.

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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.