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Dog ownership in Wales under review
Dachshund on lead
The review will also assess the effectiveness of existing dog control legislation.
Report will recommend how to encourage responsible dog ownership

RSPCA Cymru is set to lead a review of responsible dog ownership in Wales. It is expected to make recommendations on how to raise awareness of the responsibilities of owning a dog, particularly in areas with high numbers of dog attacks.

Rebecca Evans, the Welsh deputy minister for farming and food, asked the charity to undertake this independent review, which is expected to report in early autumn. The Dogs Trust in Wales will also get involved, as well as vets, local authorities and other interested parties.

The deputy minister said she is particularly interested in recommendations on how to raise awareness of responsible dog ownership among children and young people "as they have a long term role to play in driving up animal welfare standards."

The review will also assess the effectiveness of existing dog control legislation.

Welcoming the opportunity, RSPCA Cymru's head of external affairs Claire Lawson, said: "The welfare of dogs and community safety issues are integral to resolving irresponsible dog ownership.

"This review will provide an important opportunity to build on the strong record we have in Wales in regards to enhancing dog 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. 

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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.