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Scottish SPCA launches ‘Christmas dinner’ appeal
The donations will help the charity to provide care for animals waiting for homes during the winter months.

Many centres will be close to capacity at Christmas.

The Scottish SPCA has launched its appeal for ‘Christmas dinners’ for dogs and cats in their care this Christmas.

The rescue charity is asking for donations of dog and cat food, as well as other pet care items, to support its animal rescue and rehoming centres during its busiest season.

The Scottish SPCA says that it cares for thousands of domestic and wild animals throughout the year. Welfare reports also mean that their centres can take dozens of animals into their care at once, meaning they often need supplies urgently.

These donations will help the charity’s caregivers to provide nutrition, stimulation and support to animals waiting for permanent homes during the winter months.

As many of the animals that the rescue charity care for have sensitive digestion, many of these centres are asking for specific brands of food. Each centre has a dedicated Amazon wishlist, highlighting what they need the most.

Donations can be made by ordering items to the centre through Amazon, or using the wishlist to order items from other suppliers to the centres.

They also accept donations of food, treats or toys in-person at their centres’ receptions. Donors can bring items in between 11am and 3pm, and let the centre know that the donation is for the Christmas appeal.

Jennie Macdonald, head of rehabilitation operations, said: “We know times are tough for everyone but we’d be so grateful for anything anyone can spare this Christmas and know our animals will be too."

The Amazon wishlists can be accessed here.

Image © Shutterstock

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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...
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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."