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Britain's most playful pets revealed
Bubb and CHing
Bubb and Ching from Cornwall have been dubbed the nation's most playful pets.
Winners prove playtime is key for happy, healthy animals
 
Two Hungarian vizsla dogs from Cornwall have been named Britain's most playful pets by the National Office of Animal Health.

The winners were picked from over 430 entries by a panel of judges which included the Mayhew Animal Home and Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals Department (CAD), RSPCA.

It was Bubb and Ching's love of walking and searching for their favourite toys that won the hearts of the judges, helping to prove that
playtime is essential for happy, healthy pets.

Bubb and Ching’s proud owner Rose comments: “Bubb and Ching absolutely love to be out in the fresh Cornish air. If we’re not going for a long walk, we’ll be swimming in the sea or playing hide-and-seek with their favourite toys.

"I feel that it’s really important that Bubb and Ching are stimulated both in mind and body, so when it’s a lousy day weather-wise we’ll hide their favourite toys in the house for them to find. They really love this game and because they are having to use their brains, it really challenges them and tires them out.

"They are incredibly active and their energy is a great positive influence. I am thrilled that we can help to educate others about the importance of play for pets’ wellbeing.”

Head of CAD, RSPCA, Dr Samantha Gaines adds: "We chose Bubb and Ching because they look like they are having a great time together in their photo. Their owners are providing regular exercise and activities which allows them to perform natural behaviours and this is an important part of making sure dogs live an enjoyable and healthy life."

The competition ran as part of NOAH’s Happy, Healthy Pets Project – an online gallery aiming to build the UK’s largest ever picture of pet health.

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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.