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Rescue dog set for first Christmas in new home
“I’m so excited to have Nini with us this Christmas, it’ll make it such a magical day.” – Alison Southgate.
Nina was rescued by the RSPCA just before last Christmas.

A dog rescued by the RSPCA in the run-up to Christmas 2023 is set to celebrate this year’s festive period in her new home.

Nina, an American bulldog crossbreed, was signed over to the charity’s care 10 days before Christmas along with five other dogs after their owner agreed that they couldn’t properly care for them.

RSPCA inspector Deb Scotcher, who worked on the case, said: “Nina was worryingly skinny with overgrown nails, sore skin, and filthy fur. She’d clearly been living outside without access to shelter or any warm, dry areas for some time.

“She looked like she’d given up when we saw her curled up tight into a ball huddled next to her friend for warmth and comfort, surrounded by mud and faeces.”

Nina, who was two years old, was taken to RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre in Cambridgeshire to be looked after. The staff there used a slow-feeder bowl as she ate her food so quickly and it took the team time to help her feel comfortable with wearing a lead.

In response to the care at the centre, she started to transform into a more outgoing dog who enjoyed walks around the grounds and playtime in the paddocks and play areas.

In April, Nina was spotted on the RSPCA’s Find A Pet page by Alison Southgate from Stowmarket, Suffolk.

The staff at the RSPCA were unsure if Nina had ever previously lived in a home and the dog was nervous when she was first brought to live with her new family.

Ms Southgate, who has nicknamed her Nini, said: “When we first brought Nini home we let her have the run of the whole house so she could explore and see everything; she didn’t know what the TV was!”

Although she still gets spooked by other dogs barking and has scars and bitemarks on her chest from her previous life, Nina is now settled in her new home. She likes to play in the garden and have cuddles with Ms Southgate’s son Jareth.

A year on from being rescued, she is set to celebrate Christmas in her new home.

Ms Southgate added: “I’m so excited to have Nini with us this Christmas, it’ll make it such a magical day.

“She’ll get her own stocking and lots of doggy presents to enjoy on the day - and I’m sure she’ll get a special dinner too, although I expect all she’ll really want to do is snooze under the tree all day!”

Image © 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.