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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th December 2015
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Sound system brings festive joy to homeless dogs
Research has shown that soothing tunes are beneficial to dogs.

Music has a calming effect on the animals

Dogs at a rescue centre in Birmingham are enjoying some festive tunes thanks to a new state-of-the-art sound system.

Dogs, staff and visitors to Birmingham Dog's Home can now enjoy a background of jovial seasonal songs, thanks to a package of sophisticated installations.

Brad Field, who installed the high-tech system, explained that dogs love the music, which also has a calming effect.

He added: “They are so well cared for by the hard-working staff at the dogs’ home and having the Christmas music has been an added bonus this year. 

"Everyone at Birmingham Dogs’ Homes has been a joy to work with and realising that I have been able to help in this small way is very rewarding."

Brad's company has also fitted a reception video display to show visitors all the good work that the centre does.

Birmingham Dogs' Home manager Areika Bickerton said that the music helped to provide a tranquil atmosphere, greatly helping the dogs settle in and be happier.

She said: “We’ve found the music useful for reducing dog anxiety and muffles background sounds that might otherwise upset them.

“Research has shown that soothing tunes are beneficial to dogs. It’s key for us that our dogs feel as comfortable as they can be prior to finding their forever home”.

Image (C) Birmingham Dogs Home

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."