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Survey to gauge cost of living impact on horse owners
“We want to establish how those of us who care for horses are dealing with the current economic climate" - Carolyn Madgwick, NEWC.

The findings will enable the NEWC to better support equine owners. 

Horse owners are being asked how they're coping with the cost-of-living crisis in a new survey.

Launched on Wednesday (21 December), the research is being undertaken on behalf of the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC) by Redwings Horse Sanctuary, World Horse Welfare, Blue Cross, The British Horse Society, Oak Tree Animal Sanctuary and the British Farrier and Blacksmith Association.

NEWC chair Carolyn Madgwick said: “We want to establish how those of us who care for horses are dealing with the current economic climate. 

“The questions being asked include things like ‘what changes, if any, have you seen in horse care costs in the last year’ and ‘what changes have you made, or are considering, to save money?’.”

Feedback from the survey will be used to produce a report that will be shared with the public and, where relevant, the UK Government, Devolved Administrations and local authorities. The findings will also enable the NEWC to develop and publish guidance and advice to support those caring for horses across the UK. 

“The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete, please do fill it in if you can and help us to understand how we might be able to help you,” Carolyn added.

The survey is available here and wil remain open until 31 January, 2023.

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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."