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Voting opens for Young Photographer award
The RSPCA’s Young Photographer ‘People’s Choice Award’ celebrates young talent.
 

'Shake It Off' (C) RSPCA Young Photographer Awards/ Violet Brown
 
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has opened online voting for its Young Photographer ‘People’s Choice Award’.

Voting for the competition launched on Tuesday, 5 March, and will remain open until Tuesday, 12 March.

The online poll enables voters to choose a winning photo from 14 short-listed images, submitted by photographers aged six to 18. The photographs come from three different competition categories; Mobile Phone and Devices, Pet Personalities and Pet Portrait.

The winner will receive £100 worth of Amazon vouchers, as well as a prestigious RSPCA Young Photographers Awards trophy.

Andrew Forsyth, RSPCA photographer and awards judge, said: “The photos shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award this year showcase some incredibly feel-good images and a range of animals from pets, farm animals to insects.

“This is a fantastic selection that is bound to make you laugh and say “aww” out loud - so please get voting!”


'Leap Frog' (C) RSPCA Young Photographer Awards/Sophie Green

 

Among this year’s shortlisted entries is 12-year-old Violet Brown’s picture ‘Shake It Off’, which shows Marley the dog shaking off water after a dip in the creek. Eighteen-year-old Sophie Green’s photo ‘Leap Frog’ features Pepper leaping fences with her friend Mabel.

'I Spy With My Little Eye' (C) RSPCA Young Photographer Awards/Alfie Woodfine


'Alpacas Under the Viaduct' (C) RSPCA Young Photographer Awards/Corina Southern

 

‘I Spy With My Little Eye’, snapped by six-year-old Alfie Woodfine, pictures his dog Petal having a snooze in a pile of her favourite toys. Meanwhile Corina Southern, aged 13, photographed a surprise meeting with an alpaca in her photo ‘Alpacas Under the Viaduct’.

Voters can choose their favourite image from fourteen options by voting online here.

The other category winners were selected by a judging panel, including RSPCA president Chris Packham, and announced in December.
 
The next competition will coincide with RSPCA’s 200th anniversary , and so the charity is preparing for it to be the biggest yet. It is encouraging young photographers to get involved ahead of the opening of submissions.

Mr Forsyth said: “We’d urge all budding young photographers to please keep an eye out for the opening of submissions to the competition this year, or you can register your interest now at YPA24@rspca.org.uk and we’ll send you full information when we launch.”

Entries for RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2024 will open on Thursday, 7 May. Visit the website for more information.

Thumbnail and story image: ‘Shake It Off’ © RSPCA Young Photographers Awards/Violet Brown


 

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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.