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World Animal Protection condemns dog culling
Stray dog
Experts across the globe agree that there is no evidence that the removal of dogs has any significant impact on the density of dog population or the spread of rabies.
Organisation urge government of Pakistan to reconsider their approach to culling

World Animal Protection have condemned the act of culling stray dogs in Pakistan, saying that it is "cruel and ineffective under any circumstance."

In a statement responding to recent reports of dog culling in the country, Steve McIvor, International Director of Programmes for World Animal Protection, said: “The Government of Pakistan must address the challenges they face by protecting dogs and communities. Identifying and registering the dogs, neutering and vaccinating stray dogs and educating local people is the only effective solution.”

In line with international guidelines, World Animal Protection believe that when dog population management is viewed as necessary, it should be achieved the most humane way possible.

Experts across the globe agree that there is no evidence that the removal of dogs has any significant impact on the density of dog population or the spread of rabies.

The animal charity are now urging the government of Pakistan to take a sustainable approach to culling by addressing the core issue of managing the dog population, and implementing an effective and humane solution.

They say that the only way to address challenges associated with roaming dogs and to protect communities from rabies, is a combination of humane dog population management, mass dog vaccination, and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Measures would include neutering and vaccination of stray and owned animals, legislation to protect dogs, the identification and registration of dogs, and educating local people to encourage better animal welfare.  

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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.