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King rehomes charity’s one millionth hen
The charity has been rehoming chickens since 2005.
Henrietta will start a new life at Highgrove Gardens.

King Charles has given a new home to the one millionth hen to be rehomed by the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT).

Named Henrietta by the King, the hen will live with 30 other hens from the charity at Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire. She travelled to the estate in a hand-crafted carrier by fashion designer Lulu Guinness.

The BHWT was founded in 2005 to rehome commercial laying hens and promote British free-range eggs. To maximise egg production, commercial hens are typically replaced when they are 18 months old. If not rehomed, the birds are then sent to slaughter.

Since it launched, the charity has rehomed hens in a range of settings, including back gardens, schools, community areas, and prisons. It has 48 pop-up rehoming points across the UK and 1,400 volunteers.

Jane Howorth, founder and CEO of the BHWT, said: “We’re thrilled that one million hens have been adopted and extremely pleased that Henrietta and her 30 feathered friends are heading to Highgrove Gardens.

“Helping a lorry load of 4,000 was my original target and we’ve exceeded my expectations by some margin! To think that so many hens have had a happy retirement gives me a great deal of pleasure as I’m sure it has for all the kind-hearted British supporters who’ve taken these deserving little creatures into their homes and hearts.

“From the day I started this charity, it’s been a privilege to meet and work with people who want to help hens and to work alongside the egg industry to champion hen welfare and free-range eggs.”

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.