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King awards OBE to World Horse Welfare chief
Roly Owers is a qualified veterinary surgeon and has been chief executive for World Horse Welfare since 2008.

Roly Owers recognised for services to equine welfare in King's birthday honours list.

Chief executive of World Horse Welfare, Roly Owers has been awarded an OBE for services to equine welfare in King Charles III birthday honours list.

Dr Owers is a qualified veterinary surgeon and has been chief executive of the UK-based charity since 2008.

Graduating from Cambridge University in 1992, Dr Owers went on to achieve a masters degree in nutrition from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 1997. He gained veterinary experience in roles at the Blue Cross and Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

As chief executive for World Horse Welfare, Dr Owers leads the charity’s endeavours to improve horse welfare in the UK and worldwide, working with governments and institutions in the UK, the European Union, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the United Nations. 

World Horse Welfare chairman Michael Baines said: “I am delighted that Roly has been recognised for his unceasing hard work, leadership and drive which has been instrumental to the success of World Horse Welfare. He has embodied the compassionate, pragmatic approach to improving the lives of horses that has inspired the charity since it was founded by Ada Cole and continues to make us so relevant today.” 

Dr Owers said: “It is a privilege to be entrusted with leading the work of World Horse Welfare, and I am hugely thankful to my team and my family as this is as much for them as for me. What I find inspiring is that recognition at this level demonstrates the continued relevance of horses to society and the part we all play in protecting their welfare for future generations.”

As well as his work for World Horse Welfare, Dr Owers gives horse welfare advice to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

Image (C) World Horse Welfare

 

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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.