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RSPCA plea as dog reaches 1,000 days in care
Sarah spent much of her early life shut in a kennel but has since grown in confidence.
Sarah, a three-year-old lurcher, arrived at the RSPCA in March 2021.

The RSPCA has launched a fresh appeal to find a home for a three-year-old lurcher which has now been in its care for over 1,000 days.

Sarah was first brought into the RSPCA’s care, alongside other dogs in the same case, in March 2021. In November 2021, she was transferred to RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre in Cambridgeshire.

Due to court proceedings related to the case, Sarah only became available for rehoming in December 2022. However, despite other dogs in the case being rehomed, Sarah is still waiting for a permanent home.

On two occasions, Sarah has been close to finding a new home. RSPCA staff even prepared a banner with the word ‘reserved’ to celebrate.

However, through no fault of Sarah’s, they both fell through at the last minute.

Tiffany Saunders, RSPCA supervisor, said: “We were all just gutted when Sarah’s latest new home fell through.

“She was so very close - we understand completely why they had to change their minds - but it just left us all feeling so disheartened because we really thought this time she had got her own happy ever after.”

When Sarah was rescued, she had spent much of her life shut away in a kennel. She had never been trained to walk on a lead and had to be carried out of the place she was rescued from.

Since then, she has grown in confidence, and enjoys running around the centre’s exercise paddock. She has even been reassuring new dogs at the centre, comforting them in the kennels and sharing her toys with them.

Recently, for her first big day out, Sarah enjoyed a successful charity sight hound walk.

Due to her early life experiences, Sarah may find settling into a new home and new situations overwhelming at first. She would also need further training for day-to-day commands and when out on walks.

Ms Saunders said: “We hope, seeing how long Sarah has been waiting for her own family, someone out there will come forward.”

If you are interested in adopting Sarah, or one of the RSPCA's other dogs, visit its website.

Image © the RSPCA

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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.