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Animals evacuated from Ukraine’s Kharkiv region
U-Hearts has been providing food and other supplies to support the shelters taking in the evacuated animals.
Volunteers risked their lives to move pets to safety.

Volunteer groups have helped evacuate hundreds of animals from the Kharkiv region of Ukraine following the launch of a Russian offensive on 10 May 2024.

The ongoing fighting in the region has made the areas around cities such as Vovchansk and villages such as Lypetske and Lukiantsi extremely dangerous for civilians and animals.

More than 12,000 people have been evacuated, and volunteers working for animal rescue organisations have been risking their lives to make sure that animals aren't left behind.

Pets that weren’t able to leave with their owners, and animals in shelters that were at risk from the fighting, have been taken to safer shelters in the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, and Khmelnytskyi regions.

To help the shelters care for this influx of new arrivals, the U-Hearts Foundation has provided them with essential supplies. The not-for-profit organisation has delivered 3,810 kg of dog food, 496 kg of cat food, 50 blankets, and 342 doses of parasite treatment.

Yuriу Tokarski, CEO of U-Hearts, said: “We are sincerely grateful to all the organisations and volunteers who risk their lives to care for, rescue, and evacuate animals from dangerous places. These people are truly amazing!

“And, of course, thanks to those who support our organisation with donations so we can continue to provide aid to evacuated animals, supplying them with food, medicine, and other necessary items. Through this support we can maintain the chain of assistance to animals affected by the war.”

Donations can be made on the U-Hearts website.

Image © U-Hearts Foundation

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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.