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Former RSPCA trustee awarded MBE
"At the end of the day, it's all for the animals" – Barbara Gardner.
Barbara Gardner received the accolade in the King’s New Year Honours.

A former RSPCA trustee and treasurer has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) through the King’s New Year Honours.

Barbara Gardner, who also founded the Animal Interfaith Alliance (AIA), received the accolade in recognition of her services to animal welfare.

Ms Gardner originally worked as a chartered accountant, before her compassion for animals motivated her to take her skills and experience to RSPCA. She joined the charity as a volunteer in Devon, where she served as a trustee and treasurer of the RSPCA Torquay and South East Devon branch for almost 13 years.

From 2008 to 2014, Ms Gardner was a trustee of the national charity. She returned as a trustee from 2018 to 2021, when she also served as treasurer.

Speaking of her time at RSPCA, Ms Gardner said: “My highlight at the RSPCA was working with Chris Sherwood to turn around the finance and governance and of course working with all the people there who are amazing and so dedicated to animals.

“At the end of the day, it's all for the animals.”

In 2014 Ms Gardner founded the AIA, a group which brings together faith-based animal advocacy groups from around the world. It works with 12 member organisations and 20 affiliated organisations to educate, press for animal protection and promote social justice. She is also the author of The Compassionate Animal: An Interfaith Guide to the Extended Circle of Compassion.

Ms Gardner said: "I'm deeply honoured and humbled to have received an MBE for services to animal welfare. The fact that animal welfare is being recognised is amazing, as it's something which I feel has been often overlooked.”

Chris Sherwood, RSPCA chief executive, said “This is such a wonderful achievement and thoroughly well deserved. Barbara has dedicated many years to animal welfare at a local, national and international level and her work as RSPCA treasurer was instrumental in helping us reform the RSPCA into a modern and forward-facing organisation.

“We congratulate Barbara on all that she has achieved for animals and the amazing work she continues to do to improve the lives of every kind.”

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.