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Scottish SPCA appeals for pet food donations
“We know times are tough at the moment but we’d be so grateful for any donations to help pets and people who need it most” – Carrie Giannelli.
Supplies for the charity’s food bank service are running low.

The Scottish SPCA is asking members of the public to donate pet food to help families struggling with the cost of caring for their pets.

The charity’s Pet Aid scheme, which relies on public donations, is currently running low on supplies.

The service supplies pet food and other items to 69 food banks across Scotland with the help of 21 Pet Aid volunteers.

Nearly 12,000 daily meals for dogs and cats have been provided by the charity so far this year.

Pet Aid accepts donations of wet and dry dog and cat food that is unopened and in date. It also accepts donations of dog and cat treats that are unopened and do not contain rawhide.

Donations can be made at more than 50 donation points in Scotland or handed into any of the Scottish SPCA’s rescue and rehoming centres. The charity also has a Pet Aid Amazon wishlist to allow people to make donations online.

Scottish SPCA Pet Aid coordinator Carrie Giannelli said: “No one should have to give up a beloved pet because they can’t afford to feed them.

“We wouldn’t be able to provide this vital service without the generosity of the general public as we rely solely on donations.

“We know times are tough at the moment but we’d be so grateful for any donations to help pets and people who need it most.”

The list of donation points and a link to the Amazon wishlist can be found on the Scottish SPCA website.

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.