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Dog attacks 'fuelled by poor socialisation'
post in letter box
Around eight postal workers are attacked by dogs every day, while PDSA says millions of dogs do not get daily off-lead exercsie.
Training and exercise could also cut postal attacks - PDSA

As dog attacks on postal workers are once again in the spotlight, the PDSA says poor socialisation and lack of training and exercise could be to blame.

Royal Mail this week revealed that an average of eight postmen and women are attacked by dogs every day in the UK.

The incidence of aggression or inappropriate behaviour in dogs is a "huge concern", said PDSA vet Vicki Larkham.

Boredom and inactivity often lead to destructive or aggressive behaviour, yet according to the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing report, close to a quarter of a million UK dogs never go for walks on the lead for 10 minutes or more.

Over two million do not get off-the-lead exercise outside the home or garden for 10 minutes or more every day.

Vicki added: "A properly trained and socialised puppy is less likely to act aggressively as it grows up. It’s up to every owner to make sure this happens, but unfortunately, many miss out on this vital part of their dog’s development…

"We are undoubtedly a nation of animal lovers, with four out of five pet owners stating that owning a pet makes them feel physically or mentally healthier. But anti-social behaviour in dogs continues to create problems, fuelled by a worrying lack of training, socialisation and exercise."

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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.