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: 13th September 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

Armed forces veterans provide enrichment for rescued donkeys
The whirligig is important to satisfy the donkeys' behavioural needs.
Volunteers built bespoke whirligig frames for The Donkey Sanctuary.

A group of veterans from the Armed Forces Community Support Hub in Devon have been supporting enrichment activities for donkeys at Sidmouth’s Donkey Sanctuary.

For over a year, the volunteers have been supporting the charity with maintenance work, including painting, yard maintenance and innovative storage solutions.

Their latest project has been a bespoke whirligig enrichment frame, built using recycled wood. The veterans also collected hazel from around the site and fixed it onto the structure.

The structure is already being explored by the residents at the Donkey Sanctuary’s Donkey Assisted Activities centre.

As donkeys are naturally curious, enrichment structures such as whirligigs are important to satisfy their behavioural needs. This gives them opportunities to interact with their environment, make decisions and remain mentally active.

In return, the Donkey Sanctuary invite the volunteers to spend their afternoons with the donkeys.

The Donkey Sanctuary says that spending time with the donkeys has proven therapeutic for the veterans’ wellbeing. It says that the members have found peace and increased mental wellness through their time with the donkeys.

John, an Armed Forces veteran and member of the Armed Forces Community Support Hub, said: “There is a comradeship between the Hub members, where we all feel we can be ourselves. I like spending time with the donkeys which brings me a sense of calm that often evades me in everyday life."

Sarah Worth, research officer at the Donkey Sanctuary, said:  “It was great fun to work with such a fantastic group of people. They were keen to get stuck into a building project, worked together well and solved problems as a team.

“The best part was how on board they all were about donkey enrichment and how these devices can help us to provide the donkeys with browse in a new and interesting way.”

Image © The Donkey Sanctuary

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.