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Dog rescued after becoming stranded by tide
Olive the Airedale terrier made a full recovery thanks to the swift actions of Wells inshore lifeboat crew.

Olive the Airedale terrier had been walking with her family in Wells. 

A dog has been rescued by the RNLI after becoming cut off by the tide on a beach in Norfolk.

Wells inshore lifeboat crew were called out to help a family on the north side of Wells beach on Sunday (29 December). The family, including two children, had managed to wade to safety. However, Olive, their Airedale terrier, was left stranded as the water contined to rise.

Upon their arrival, the lifeboat crew found that the owners had managed to bring Olive to shore, but she had stopped breathing due to the cold. One of the crew members, a nurse, performed CPR, and thanks to his swift actions, successfully revived her. 

After returning the family to safety, the lifeboat crew quickly transferred Olive to the boathouse crew room so she could warm up and another crew member, a vet, checked her over. Remarkably, despite her ordeal, Olive made a full recovery.

Olive's family has expressed deep gratitude for saving Olive's life and were later given a tour of the lifeboat station where they learned about the vital work the RNLI does. Gil, 11 and Sylvie, eight, were eager to learn more about water safety –  and of course, the now healthy and happy Olive was the star of the visit!

Owner Tom said: “We could not be more grateful for the rescue and support we received by the brilliant lifeboat crew and on-shore team. Their professionalism, kindness and care was inspirational and we cannot thank them enough for saving Olive’s life and bringing us to safety”.

“Inshore lifeboat Helm Gary Yarham, said; ‘Every shout has its challenges whether it’s dealing with people or animals, but through extensive training provided by the RNLI we know we have the knowledge and skills to carry out the task necessary to achieve a positive outcome.”

Nurse and crew member Simon Parkes, said: ‘I am used to resuscitating humans but never a dog. It was a huge relief when Olive started slowly breathing. Then a great team effort, both inshore and shore crew, getting her back to the boathouse to warm her up. What a relief when Olive was able to walk out with her family”.

Images (C) RNLI/Jess Curtis/Ray West.

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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.