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Britain's dog owners quizzed about walking habits       
dog walkers
Dog walkers cover more than 1,000 miles each year, a poll has revealed.
Guide Dogs has conducted a dog-walker survey, in advance of London's largest dog walk

To mark the launch of Dogs Unite, a series of sponsored walks to support Guide Dogs, a poll has revealed just how often the nations’ canines get walked, and what their owners commonly spend this time thinking about.

The poll reveals that dog walkers spend an impressive average of 382 hours walking their four-legged friends, covering an average of 1100 miles every year. This equates to a 75,000 calorie burn, equivalent to a whopping 312 jam doughnuts.

Owners were also quizzed on what they think about whilst walking their dogs. More than half said they think about their family and friends and 46 per cent consider their future plans.

Proving that dog walking is promoting a healthier nation, 46 per cent also said they think about health and fitness whilst out strolling with their pets.

The average dog walk lasts for 49 minutes, and takes place nine times a week, which comfortably exceeds the recommended 30 minutes of exercise five times weekly. Scottish dog walkers were shown to be the most enthusiastic, walking their pets an average of 11 times a week, compared to eight times a week in London.

Dogs Unite will kick off on June 14 with London's largest dog walk. The sponsored walk, which will take place at the newly opened Queen Elizabeth Park, will raise money for Guide Dogs, the heroes of the canine world, changing the lives of people challenged by sight loss.

As well as beautiful parkland and waterways, there will be a dedicated event village hosting dog shows and opportunities to meet guide dog puppies, ensuring fun for the whole family.

To book tickets for this event or to find out more about Dogs Unite, click here. Book before the May 6 for half price tickets.

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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.