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TV spotlight on Dogs for the Disabled

Dog hero to feature on National Lottery

A hero of the dog world named Giles, is the latest to be recognised as a "National Lottery Hero", and will feature on the programme with his owner on June 8.

After applying to Dogs for the Disabled, 14-year-old Natasha Settelen - who has cerebral palsy - was introduced to Giles.

The pair have since become best friends. Natasha says: "Giles comes to my football practice and likes to join in! I now love going for walks which I didn’t before.
 
“Giles has given me more confidence in public.  He is a conversation starter with people. I love coming home from school as he has such a lovely greeting. I don’t have to ask my parents for help so much as I am more independent.”

Dogs for the Disabled is the next charity to be featured in a series of films on the charities changing lives with National Lottery Funding.

More than £35million is raised for good causes every week by National Lottery players, and Dogs for the Disabled alone have benefitted from almost half a million pounds of funding.

Giles and Natasha, and the work of Dogs for the Disabled, will be in the spotlight on this week's National Lottery: In It to Win It, which airs on BBC One on Saturday, June 8 at 8:20pm.

 

Image: Natasha with her parents, National Lottery presenter John Partridge and Giles

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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.