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Church of San Anton blesses pets
Image: Arturo Rodriguez/ via The Commercial Appeal
Patron saint of animals celebrated in Madrid.

Pet owners have queued around the Church of San Anton in Madrid to have their pets blessed by the priests on Saint Anthony's Day. Dogs, cats, rabbits and turtles, some grandly dressed, were blessed by the priests in the name of the patron saint of animals.

The festival has been celebrated annually in Madrid since the 19thCentury, and is also held in Burgos and the Balearic Islands. Saint Anthony, who was born in Portugal in 1195, is frequently depicted addressing animals who are listening attentively to him. Animals were said to instinctively follow the Saint throughout his life, and he is said to have once preached to fish.

The blessing is believed to ensure a long and healthy life to the pet. After having their pets blessed, the parishioner/owners receive three bread rolls, one of which is traditionally kept alongside a coin for a year to ensure good health and the blessing of the saint.

Carlos Romero, 56, said he came to the church for the first time this year to have his five-year-old turtle Paula blessed after another turtle he owned named Frodo died eight months ago.
Romero had dressed Paula in a sweater in the yellow and red colours of the Spanish flag with the words "Champions of the World" inscribed on it - a reference to Spain's 2010 World Cup win - and a large red carnation.


"I came because I want her to be healthy and well so she can accompany me for many more years," said Senor Romero.

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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."