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Detection dogs and military horse receive ‘animals’ OBE’
Yoyo and Scamp helped authorities discover 40 million illegal cigarettes during their career.
The animals’ contributions to society have been awarded.

Two detection dogs and a military horse have become the latest animals to receive the PDSA Order of Merit.

The animals are the 53rd, 54th, and 55th recipients of the award, which for the last ten years has recognised animals that have shown outstanding devotion to their owner or wider society. It has been described as the ‘animals’ OBE’.

Spaniels Yoyo and Scamp have received the award for their work discovering illegal tobacco products. Working with Trading Standards, HM Revenue and Customs, and police services across the country for more than a decade, the pair helped find 40 million illegal cigarettes, 18 tonnes of hand-rolling tobacco, and over £5 million in cash.

Yoyo and Scamp are now retired and living in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with their former handler Stuart and his wife and daughter.

Jan McLoughlin, PDSA director general, said: “Yoyo and Scamp’s actions throughout their careers as specialist detection dogs have shown outstanding devotion to duty to wider society, above and beyond normal companionship.

“Their excellent detection skills are remarkable and show the value and richness animals bring to society.”

The dogs were joined in receiving the award by former military horse Lord Firebrand, known as Yogi, who served in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

In his 10-year career he took part in events including the State Opening of Parliament, state visits, and Trooping the Colour. He also led Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.

Yogi retired in December 2023 and now lives with the family of a former officer of the King’s Troop.

Mr McLoughlin added: “Throughout Yogi’s career, he has been the first choice of any parade commander due to his striking appearance and professional conduct. His contribution to the defence and the nation is without question.”

Image © PDSA

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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.