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RSPCA repeats warm weather warning
Two dogs die in cars, despite persistent cautions

Despite repeated warnings about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars during warm weather, the first weekend in July's soaring temperatures took the lives of at least two dogs.

A seven-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier and two-year-old rottweiler-cross were victims to temperatures that, in some parts of the country, reached 32 degrees celsius (90 degrees fahrenheit).

The RSPCA, who attended to the two incidents, said it received around 350 calls from concerned members of the public over animals being trapped in hot cars during the weekend alone.

Interviews took place with the owners following both deaths, however, the RSCPA says people "just aren't listening".

The charity warned that the temperatures inside a vehicle can soar to 47 degrees celsius (116 degrees fahrenheit) within one hour when the outside temperature is just 22 degrees celsius (71 degrees fahrenheit).

"The deaths of those dogs were avoidable tragedies," said RSPCA North regional superintendent, Martin Marsh.

"Leaving a dog in a hot car has the same kind of effect as putting it in a microwave. They are literally cooked alive, in what is a horrendous death."

Mr Marsh added that leaving a window open simply isn't enough, because in-car temperatures rise quickly, even if it's cloudy.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.