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Dog summit hosted by Scottish Government
Image dog barking
Topics discussed at the summit include dog licensing and microchipping.
Government and welfare representatives give views on responsible ownership

A recent summit on responsible dog ownership brought together representatives from Scottish Government, the police and animal welfare and veterinary organisations.

Hosted in Edinburgh last week, the Responsible Dog Ownership Summit was announced last year by first minister Alex Salmond, after he met with the families of dog attack victims.

The meeting covered dog control, licensing, compulsory microchipping and enforcement of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act.

These issues have also been raised in the Government's recent consultation - "Promoting responsible dog ownership in Scotland: microchipping and other measures". The consultation has reportedly received around 2,000 responses so far.

Summit attendees included the Dogs Trust, Scottish SPCA, BVA, Police Scotland, NFU Scotland and members of the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking at the event, representatives from the Kennel Club pledged its commitment to compulsory microchipping in Scotland, in the form of educating the public.

The club also highlighted the importance of a legal requirement to keep information up to date, minimum standards for databases and implanter training.

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: "With over 600,000 dogs in Scotland, it is important that all those concerned with them work together to promote responsible ownership.  

"We therefore commend the Scottish Government for holding this event to share ideas on how to tackle current issues relating to dog control and new measures that can be introduced to improve matters."

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.