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Netherlands considering puppy yoga ban
Puppy yoga was recently banned in Italy.
Government minister wants to ban use of all young animals in yoga.

The Netherlands could become the next country to ban puppy yoga, after the country’s agriculture minister Pieter Adema spoke out about the practice.

In an interview with the Dutch newspaper Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant, the minister criticised the impact that the practice has on puppies and said that he wanted to see a ban on the use of all young animals in yoga.

Puppy yoga, in which puppies are present during a human yoga class, has become a popular trend around the world. Organisers claim that the sessions help to socialise the puppies, a claim disputed by animal welfare organisations.

In July last year, an ITV News investigation alleged that some puppies involved in yoga classes were not given access to water and had no opportunity to rest away from people.

Last month, puppy yoga was banned in Italy because of concerns over the stress that it caused for the animals involved. The Dutch government is yet to set out specific plans for a ban.

In the UK, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee raised concerns about puppy yoga in a parliamentary report on pet welfare and abuse published in April 2024. Charities including The Kennel Club, Blue Cross and the RSPCA have also publicly voiced their concerns about the practice.

Esme Wheeler, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “If the Netherlands is to ban it, especially so soon after Italy’s ban, then it sends a strong message across the continent and the wider world that puppy yoga is not an acceptable activity for the dogs.

“Sadly, puppy yoga has gained more traction as time has gone on, with people thinking that it is ‘cute’ - but the puppies - sometimes younger than eight weeks - can be overwhelmed and frightened. It can have such a detrimental effect on their welfare, and we're really worried the popularity of this trend is being fuelled by social media.

“Many puppy yoga organisers say the classes help socialise the animals, but this isn’t socialisation in any sense. Puppy socialisation needs to be carried out gradually, where exposure to various experiences, people and other animals is controlled and calm. Not doing so can have a negative effect on the puppy.”

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...
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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.