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XL bully neutering scheme extended
The scheme will continue until all current funding has been allocated.

The fund supports owners with neutering costs.

A financial assistance scheme, organised to support owners of XL bully type dogs with neutering costs, has been extended.

The extension comes as the scheme, launched by the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Battersea, receives more applications for support ahead of the neutering deadline on 30 June.

From 30 June 2024, XL bully type dogs which were over the age of one on 31 January 2024 must be neutered.

Dogs which were less than one-year-old, but over seven months old, should be neutered by 31 December 2024. A recent extension means that dogs which were under the age of seven months on 31 January 2023 must be neutered by 30 June 2025.

Owners must then send confirmation of neutering, signed by their veterinary surgeon, to Defra.

To meet the demand for financial support, the scheme has now been extended. It will now continue to run until all the current funding has been allocated.

The XL bully neutering scheme is designed to support owners of XL bully type dogs who have applied for exemption for their dog, but for whom financial hardship makes it difficult for them to meet the neutering requirements.

Veterinary practices must apply for the fund on their client’s behalf. Clients may be eligible for up to £250, dependent on the dog’s gender and the procedure.

The exemption scheme is on track to support 1,000 owners with their neutering costs. There are over 450 veterinary practices currently registered to the scheme.

The charities say that owners of XL bully type dogs should not delay in getting their pet neutered, and should speak to their veterinary practice about financial support if needed.

Cassie Newman, RSPCA assistant director of animal services, said: “The ban on XL bullies left a lot of dog-owners worried about the future of their beloved pet.

“We know that there are many much-loved XL bullies out there but whose owners couldn’t afford to pay for the neutering requirement, and we are really pleased that this scheme has been popular.

“We hope the scheme will help avoid some situations where owners might otherwise choose euthanasia because of cost concerns.”

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.