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Wales road signs warn of hot car dangers for dogs
RSPCA public affairs and media manager Chris O'Brien with Jayne Bryant AM following the Welsh Government's announcement.

RSPCA Cymru and Jayne Bryant AM celebrate welcome move

Wales has become the first country in the United Kingdom to utilise Variable Message Signs on motorways to highlight the dangers of leaving dogs inside hot cars.

The move follows RSPCA Cymru and Welsh Assembly member Jayne Bryant raising the issue with Ken Skates, minister for economy and transport. In a letter to Ms Bryant, Mr Skates writes:

“My officials have confirmed that the message CEIR POETH YN LLADD CWN/DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS is now available to be used on the Variable Message Signs, and today is the first day we have issued this warning on the signs…the message will be continued to be shown during high temperatures at appropriate times.”

RSPCA Cymru said the result is “great news for dogs” and urges members of the public to call 999 if they see a dog in distress inside a warm vehicle.

“Now, during spells of warm weather, countless motorists will be warned about the dangers of leaving a dog in a hot car,” said Chris O’Brien, RSPCA public affairs and media manager. 

“This can be damaging and even fatal – and getting the message out to dog owners in this way will be so helpful in keeping many canine companions out of these very risky and dangerous situations.

“We want Wales to become a nation where dog owners never to leave their pet unattended in a parked or stationary vehicle.”

Jayne Bryant AM said: “I’m really pleased that the Welsh Government has listened to concerns raised by people across the county. Recent hot weather has reminded us of the dangers of leaving dogs in cars, even for a short period of time.

“Owners who do this often do it without thinking. Awareness raising measures are extremely important and a simple sign can make all the difference.”

 

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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.