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Charity coalition provides over a million meals to pets
The partnership has provided around 150 tonnes of pet food.
The Pet Food Partnership has been helping owners struggling with costs.

A coalition of charities has passed the milestone of providing one million meals for dogs and cats in Great Britain.

The Pet Food Partnership, made up of Battersea, Cats Protection, Dogs Trust, RSPCA and FareShare, was launched in late 2022 to help owners struggling with the cost of feeding their pets.

Since then, it has given out around 150 tonnes of pet food donated by pet food manufacturers.

The food has been distributed through FareShare’s network of more than 8,500 community groups and charities across England, Scotland, and Wales.

The cost of pet food has soared in the past year, with the prices of many products rising above inflation. According to The Grocer’s KVI tracker in July, the cost of own label cat food pouches had increased by 38 per cent on average, and own label dry dog food had become 14.7 per cent more expensive on average.

A spokesperson for the Pet Food Partnership said: “We know how important pets are to the people that love them, and that many owners would rather go hungry themselves than let their pet go without a meal. We believe no one should ever have to make that choice. That’s why we started this programme – to offer struggling owners a helping hand and fill pet food bowls across the UK.

“While reaching the million meals milestone is a great example of how effective working together can be, it is also a sad indicator of how many owners continue to struggle as a result of rising costs. From the dog owners up in Aberdeen, to the people with cats down in Plymouth, we’re here to help keep pets well-fed this winter.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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.