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Naturewatch Foundation to launch Pet Rescue Grant
Applications open on 24 January 2024.
Funding will be available for the animal rescue sector.

The animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation is launching a new grant to support the rescue and rehabilitation of cats, dogs, and rabbits affected by the illegal pet trade.

Available from 2024, the annual Pet Rescue Grant will award at least £5,000 to charities and community interest companies in the UK. The grant can be used to help rescued animals by funding things such as veterinary care, behavioural support, facilities, equipment and training.

The grant has been made available at a time when many animal rescue organisations have reported that they are struggling to offer accommodation to the high number of animals needing care while facing higher costs owing to inflation.

Animals bred and sold in the illegal pet trade have often experienced low welfare standards and are more likely to develop problems with their health and behaviour.

Natalie Harney, campaign manager at Naturewatch Foundation, said, “As an animal-loving nation, it’s a tragedy that so many of our beloved pets are the product of the illicit pet trade.

We’ve been campaigning and investigating to end illegal breeding for years, but we know that without the rescue sector, many abused and exploited pets simply wouldn’t get the loving care and specialist support they deserve.

Our new Pet Rescue Grant is our small way of helping those selfless organisations that pick up the pieces.”

Applications open on 24 January 2024 and close on 21 February 2024.

Image © Naturewatch Foundation

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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.