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Scottish SPCA receives health and safety fine
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Middlebank Wildlife Centre has not been used to house animals since 2012.
Society failed to follow duties on housing wild birds

The Scottish SPCA has been fined £5,000 after pleading guilty to a single charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The organisation told Dunfermline Sheriff Court that it failed to follow some of its duties associated with the housing of wild birds at Middlebank Wildlife Centre in Dunfermline. The Centre closed in 2012.

“This is the first time that the Society has had criminal proceedings taken against it for failing to comply with its duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act,” explained a Scottish SPCA spokesperson.

“We would like to reassure our staff, supporters and stakeholders that all professional advice and recommendations in relation to risks associated with housing wild birds have been acted upon.”

Once a farm building, Middlebank Wildlife Centre has not been used to house animals since 2012. Through public donations, the Scottish SPCA created a state-of-the-art national wildlife research centre at Fishcross in Clackmannanshire.

“We are indebted to the generosity of the public for their assistance in funding the project, and its continued 700,000 per annum operating costs,” the organisation said.

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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.