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Charities warn XL bully owners of neuter deadline
The Dog Control Coalition is urging XL bully owners not to delay neutering.
Defra must receive neutering proof by 30 June.

A coalition of animal charities and veterinary organisations has reminded XL bully owners of the impending deadline for neutering exempted XL bullies.

If a dog was over the age of one on 31 January 2024, the owner must supply proof of neutering to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) by 30 June 2024.

The Dog Control Coalition, which includes the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Association, has warned that a failure to do so could mean an exemption certificate is revoked. This could mean the dog is seized by the police, even if the owner has begun the exemption process.

The group says that XL bully owners should not wait to book a neutering appointment for their pet. With the deadline approaching, veterinary practices are expecting an increase in neutering cases, which could mean there is not an available appointment in time.

Owners should also account for the time it takes to complete the necessary documentation for neutering proof.

The evidence which Defra requires is an official form (VCN01), which must be signed by a veterinary surgeon. This will need to have been completed and received by Defra before the 30 June deadline.

The deadline will only apply to dogs which were over the age of one on 31 January 2024.

If a dog was between seven months and 12 months of age, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If it was under seven months old, the deadline is 30 June 2025.

A neutering scheme, managed by RSPCA, Blue Cross and Battersea, is currently running to provide financial assistance to those who need support with neutering costs. It can be applied for through participating practices, and will run until all funds have been allocated.

On behalf of the Dog Control Coalition, Dr Sam Gaines, from the RSPCA, said: “We urge XL bully owners whose dog was over the age of one at the end of January and who have applied for exemption to make sure that proof of neutering is provided before 30 June to avoid the heartbreak of their dog being seized.

“If they have yet to arrange for their dog to be neutered then they need to speak to their vet with urgency.”

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.