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Abandoned puppy rescue features in Christmas advert
The advert features two abandoned puppies being rescued.
The RSPCA advert is based on true rescue story.

The RSPCA has launched a Join the Christmas Rescue appeal alongside a new Christmas advert.

The advert is based on the real rescue of Staffordshire bull terrier-type puppies Jack and Poppy by RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes. The two dogs had been abandoned in a flat in Merseyside when their owners moved out.

After a neighbour had reported their suspicions that the dogs may have been left behind, the RSPCA found them in an emaciated condition. They had not been left with any food or water.

Mr Joynes said: “The puppies were so weak and terrified they had almost given up on life – it was really lucky we were alerted to their plight when we were because I don’t think they would have survived much longer.”

Both puppies received emergency veterinary treatment. They have recovered well and have since been rehomed.

Last Christmas, the RSPCA received reports of more than 700 incidents. Its frontline officers, veterinary teams, and branch staff work every day of the year.

The charity expects to be busy again this Christmas. It believes that financial pressures are causing a rise in the number of pet abandonments and neglect reports.

Mr Joynes added: “Sadly now, during the winter months, we see more people financially struggling which leads to more reports like this.

“But we can make a difference, and with the public’s help if they Join The Christmas Rescue they can support our rescuers, veterinary teams, branches and centre staff who work tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment and love that will save their lives.”

The advert can be watched here.

Image © RSPCA

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.