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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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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.  

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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.