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Blue Cross marks 125 years of animal welfare work
Pictured: a postcard from the Blue Cross historic archive 'Vet and Nurse bandaging dog'.

A new survey on people and pets' connection marks the occasion. 

Marking 125 years of charity work, national pet charity Blue Cross has released the results of a new survey, demonstrating the deep-rooted and important connection between people and pets.

Of the respondents, 40 per cent said that their early pets were their fondest childhood memory, over 60 per cent said that the pandemic made them realise the importance of owning a pet, and 42 per cent agreed that owning a pet is vital to combatting loneliness. 

With the increase in pet ownership across the UK, the work that Blue Cross does to support pets and people through rehoming, veterinary, animal behaviour and pet bereavement services is just as necessary as the charity's early work supporting the working horses of London. 

Kerry Taylor, Education Manager at Blue Cross, commented on the importance of the charity's work after 125 years: “We are very proud of our heritage and the work the charity does in 2022. 

“We are needed today more than ever, with people seeking help after an impulse purchase of a pet online from unscrupulous sellers. Something which sadly we know increased during the pandemic, with pet theft and scams online escalating and costs for puppies rocketing into the thousands.

“We strongly advise anyone thinking of getting a pet to look at a rescue who has been fully assessed and checked by a vet before adoption. If buying a puppy, then we strongly recommend thorough research before hitting the ‘buy now’ button online.”

Since the charity's formation in 1897, the Blue Cross estimates that 38 million lives have been impacted by its work, with plans to support over 120,000 pets over the next three years.

 

Image (C) Blue Cross

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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.