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Rescue centre launches campaign to champion Staffies
"Thousands of proud and responsible Staffie owners will tell you that Staffies are gentle, friendly dogs and a million miles away from the hard image they have been unfairly tarnished with"
Battersea teams up with Foal Farm to champion the positive qualities of the breed

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have teamed up with Foal Farm Animal Rescue in a bid to show people the softer side of Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

The campaign, 'They're softer than you think', aims to raise awareness of the plight of the Staffie, challenge negative perceptions about the breed and show the true soft character of the dogs.

Foal Farm and Battersea are the last hope for thousands of unwanted and abandoned Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffie crosses. During 2013, the Kent rescue centre cared for and re-homed 65 Staffies and Staffie crossbreeds looking for new homes.

Laura Jenkins, head of animal services at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home says: "Battersea has seen a huge increase in the number of Staffies coming into its care and around a third of the dogs we take in are Staffies and Staffie crosses. We know what wonderful family pets they can be and it's great to have the chance to work with Foal Farm to spread the word and give Staffies the second chance they deserve.

As part of the campaign, the rescue centre will be working with responsible local Staffie owners.

Sarah Mitchell, kennel supervisor at Foal Farm adds: "Thousands of proud and responsible Staffie owners will tell you that Staffies are gentle, friendly dogs and a million miles away from the hard image they have been unfairly tarnished with. We have some great local residents who have re-homed Staffies from us who are tremendous ambassadors for the breed."

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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.