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Voting opens for RSPCA photo competition
'Funny Face' shows Jess pulling a face as she tries to catch a ball – photograph by Ella Moakler-Woodhouse, age 10.
Children and young people have been snapping pics of pets and wildlife.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has officially opened voting for this year’s Young Photographer’s People’s Choice Awards.

There are 15 shortlisted photographs, each entered by a young photographer aged 18 and under, which are vying for votes until the competition closes on 26 March.

The entries include several light-hearted and fascinating photographs of pets and wildlife. Photographs are sorted into three different categories: Mobile Phone and Devices, Pet Personalities and Pet Portraits.

Among the entries are a photograph of a dog pining for a treat, a sneaky cat hiding in the bushes and a dog pulling a funny face as she tries to catch a ball. There are also fascinating photos of wildlife including ladybird larvae, an ‘elegant’ slug and a jellyfish in an aquarium.

Online voting for the competition has already opened, with the competition winner due to be announced on RSPCA’s social media pages on Thursday, 27 May. The winning photographer will receive a £100 Amazon voucher and a trophy.

The annual competition is designed to inspire children and young people to take photos of pets and wildlife and become closer to nature. RSPCA hopes that the competition will inspire the next generation to help protect animals of all kinds.

Andrew Forsyth, RSPCA photographer and judge, said: “The photos shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award this year are fantastic and really varied, from some sweet and funny pictures of pets showing off their incredible personalities to stunning photos of insects in all their tiny glory.

“This is a brilliant selection of images from some passionate and talented young people - and we urge the public to not only enjoy these photos, but to vote for their favourite too!”

To vote in this year’s RSPCA People’s Choice Awards, visit their website.

Image © RSPCA/Ella Moakler-Woodhouse

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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.