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Northern Ireland publishes dog statistics
Local councils in Northern Ireland dealt with 1,172 stray dogs in the first quarter of 2017/18.
Just under half of strays were not reunited with owners

Local councils in Northern Ireland dealt with 1,172 stray dogs in the first quarter of 2017/18, of which just over half (619) were reunited with their owners. This is according to new figures published by the Department of Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Out of the remaining dogs who could not be reunited with their owners, 44 were euthanised, 207 sold to the public and 272 passed to animal shelters.

DAERA has published canine statistics on its website for the first time, covering a range of topics such as dog licences, dog attacks and enforcement actions.

Other key points include:
  • There were 378 dog attacks between April and June 2017. Of these, there were 201 attacks on people, 41 cases of livestock worrying and 136 attacks on other pets.
  • Out of 67 prosecutions relating to dog attacks, 12 were successfully concluded at the time of publishing the figures.
  • Thirteen cases of prohibited dogs were investigation, but no banned dogs identified.
  • 37,843 licences were issued
  • Enforcement actions included fixed penalties (686), warning letters (1,550), formal cautions (five), control conditions e.g. muzzling, neutering, owner training (101).

Statistical information on dogs is to be published on DAERA’s website each quarter.

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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.  

Click here for more...
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.