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German shelters ban Christmas pet adoptions
Those against the ban argue that Christmas can be a good time to introduce an animal to the home.
Move to reduce number of unwanted animals given as surprise gifts

Dog shelters in Germany have instilled a temporary ban on adoptions over the festive period to reduce the number of unwanted animals being returned.

According to a report by BBC News, rehoming centres from across the country have told people that no animals will be available for adoption in the lead-up to Christmas.

Among them includes a shelter in Berlin, which says “Animals are living beings with needs and feelings. They are not suitable as surprise gifts.” Another centre in Bremen said that none of its 500 animals will be re-homed after the 18 December.

Supporters of the ban say that pets are often bought in impulse at the last second. Claudia Hämmerling from Berlin’s animal protection association told BBC News: "The decision to keep an animal must not be taken lightly - the whole family must be involved in the decision-making process”.

But those against the ban argue that Christmas can be a good time to introduce an animal to the home.

Animal charity RSPCA told the BBC that the extra noise and activity at Christmas “can make it difficult for any pet to settle into their new homes".

"However, for some people, the festive period is a calm, quiet time and may well be a good opportunity to introduce an animal into the home as families tend to be around the house with more time to spend with them," it says.

The report adds that most centres will remain open for viewings, but potential pet owners will have to return in January once they’ve considered and researched their decision. 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.