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Euthanasia leaflet gives guidance to pet owners
Chairman of the AWF Tiffany Hemming.
Chairman of the AWF Tiffany Hemming.

Sympathetic leaflet aims to demystify euthanasia

It is undoubtedly one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner will have to make; when to end your animal's suffering and have them euthanised.

A sympathetic guidance leaflet, that addresses the emotions owners may go through in making their decision, has now been produced by the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF).

"Saying goodbye – the ultimate kindness’" is written by veterinary surgeons to help pet owners understand why euthanasia may be the most caring thing they can do for their pet and what choices they have.

It also demystifies what happens during euthanasia and what happens next.


Chairman of the AWF Tiffany Hemming, said: "As vets we often see pet owners struggle with letting their pet go when really it can be the kindest thing for the animal to be put to sleep. 
 


“Guilt may be the strongest emotion owners feel when making this decision and we wanted to guide owners through this difficult time in a sensitive way and encourage them to ask questions and work with the vet to help them come to terms with the end of their pet’s life.”
 


A copy of the leaflet can be downloaded here

 

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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.