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St Bernard man raises charity funds
Image: Bernie of Wagging Tails
Man dressed as dog runs two marathons

Jim Suswain, of Wagging Tails home dog boarding, has raised funds for Hounds for Heroes by running two marathons in 15 days.

He completed the marathons dressed as a St Bernard.

The choice of outfit represented the Wagging Tails mascot, Bernie. Dressed as Bernie, Jim was able to collect more than £130 in change for Hounds for Heroes as he ran.

Combined, Jim ran 26.2 miles and faced rain, wind, sleet and snow conditions over the course of both marathons.

Hounds for Heroes thanked Wagging Tails and "Bernie" for all their efforts via their Twitter page.

It read: "All of the Hounds for Heroes team are truly proud and humbled by your efforts to raise not only funds but awareness too!"

Jim commented: "It was hard work and the Reading run was really tough. The dog head got soaked and I couldn't see where I was going towards the end.

"The crowd support was brilliant and kept me going. Thank you to everyone who cheered me on and put money in the tin."

Hounds for Heroes is a charity that provides those injured or disabled in the forces with a specially-trained assistance dog. Wagging Tails says it will continue supporting the charity throughout 2013.

To donate to the cause, visit the Wagging Tails Just Giving page, or the Hounds for Heroes website.

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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.