According to the latest Defra figures, the number of cattle slaughtered in the UK as reactors or direct contacts has risen by 10 per cent to 37,753 in 2012. The number of farms tested has also increased by nearly 18 per cent due to new measures that have been put in place.

The European Union (EU) has banned the sale of new cosmetic products that have been tested on animals with immediate effect. It is now supporting investigations into alternative methods, following years of campaigning from animal welfare activists. The belief is that the development of cosmetics does not justify animal testing.

A US proposal to outlaw the trade in polar bear products has failed, it was announced yesterday. At the Cites meeting in Bangkok, 38 countries voted in favour of the US proposal to end the export of polar bear products from Canada, who are currently the only nation allowing this. 42 nations voted against the ban, and 46 abstained from voting. As a result the export of polar bear skins, teeth and paws from Canada will continue unabated.

The 2013 Vet Charity Challenge is to take place on Saturday 28 September at Warwickshire College. The event comprises teams of four taking part in walking, running, cycling and kayaking.

The 2012 Challenge raised £21,000 which was shared between three animal charities, SPANA, Pet Blood Bank and Hounds for Heroes. Interested teams are invited to register their interest through the website.

Four weeks after being found on the south coast of England coated in oil additive PIB, rescued birds are being released at sea in Dorset. Experts have already released 22 guillemots at Pett Level beach in East Sussex, and remaining birds are to be individually assessed, weighed and blood tested by vets before a decision is taken on which ones to release.

An investigation into the source of the substance has proved inconclusive, and it is now thought "unlikely" that the responsible ship will be traced. The RSPB has called for the substance to be reclassified and discharges outlawed.

A Tibetan mastiff has died at a Bejing animal hospital while undergoing a facelift. The surgery was performed at his owner's request, so that he could earn more money out of the dog.

Owner Mr Yu is now suing the hospital, which has performed cosmetic surgery on his dogs in the past in order to make their ears appear more erect.

The situation has appalled animal welfare activists, who say the hospital should never have agreed to perform the surgery for the dog farm owner.

Mr Yu said: "The skin of my dog's head was very flabby, so I wanted to cut part of his forehead and straighten the skin. If my dog looks better female dog owners will pay a higher price when they want to mate their dog with mine."