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SPANA appoints interim chair of trustees
Marianne Davies first joined the Board of Trustees in September 2021.
Marianne Davies was formally voted into the role in March.

The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) has announced the appointment of Marianne Davies as its interim chair of trustees.

Ms Davies, a senior human resources (HR) and change professional, was formally voted in to the the role by the SPANA Board of Trustees in March 2024.

She is currently global head of people services at pharmaceutical company GSK, where she has worked for much of her executive career. Her work with GSK brings extensive experience in HR and change, which will benefit the development of SPANA.

However she also holds an interest in animal welfare. Ms Davies has visited several of the countries where SPANA works, which has inspired her to support the welfare of working animals and their communities.

She first joined SPANA’s Board of Trustees in September 2021, and also works with SPANA’s People and Safeguarding Committee and its Centenary Committee.

In 2023, Ms Davies also fundraised for SPANA at the London Marathon.

She succeeds former chair of trustees Dr Mary-Lorraine Hughes, who recently resigned from the role. Dr Hughes had sat as chair of trustees since 2021.

Marianne Davies said: “During my three years as a trustee of SPANA, I have been inspired by the charity’s extraordinary support for working animals.

“I am excited and honoured to now be appointed chair of trustees at SPANA, during a time when the charity is significantly developing its work to meet the growing challenges it faces from issues such as rising global poverty, political instability, and climate change. 

“SPANA’s strategy for 2023-27 outlines an ambitious vision for the future of the charity and how we will radically extend our reach and impact during these turbulent times. A number of exciting new initiatives are currently in development at SPANA, which will be truly transformative for working animals and the communities they so loyally support.”   

SPANA’s Chief Executive, Linda Edwards, said: “We are delighted that Marianne Davies has been appointed as our chair of trustees at SPANA.

“Marianne’s commitment to working animal welfare and our plans for SPANA will help ensure the charity can transform the lives of working animals.” 

Image © SPANA

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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.