Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th June 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

‘Smuggled’ pregnant mare gives birth after being rescued
The mare and foal have been named after the founder of World Horse Welfare.
The horse was one of 26 animals found in Dover. 

The last of five pregnant mares rescued after they were discovered by authorities in Dover, Kent, has given birth to a healthy foal.

The mare was one of 26 horses and ponies, dubbed the Dover 26, who were abandoned at a holding yard. It is believed that the horses were being smuggled and may have ended up in a European slaughterhouse.

Only 19 of the animals had the necessary paperwork and many of them had health issues which made them unfit to travel. One of them was in such a poor state it had to be euthanised.

Since the rescue, the animals have been looked after by the charity World Horse Welfare at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Snetterton, Norfolk. The mare has been named Ada and the filly foal Cole, after Ada Cole, the founder of World Horse Welfare.

The charity has created a #StopHorseSmuggling pledge for supporters to sign to urge decision makers to crack down on the illegal trade.

Megan Jarvis, a groom at Hall Farm looking after Ada and Cole, said: “These two are the lucky ones as they have a bright future ahead of them and once Cole has been weaned our charity will ensure they are found loving new homes.

“I can’t bear to think about all the other horses that aren’t as lucky as them and having to go on even longer journeys in worse conditions. I, for one, will be signing the pledge and hope that others will join me in doing the same.”

Although the Dover 26 were rescued, nobody has faced legal action over the incident.

Kim Ayling, senior public affairs officer at World Horse Welfare, said: “Unfortunately due to the lack of information to be able to properly trace the background of the Dover 26 movements before being discovered, it has made a possible prosecution quite challenging.

“We have approached all of the local authorities who could have taken legal action and none of them have wanted to take that forward.”

The charity’s pledge can be signed here.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.