Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Battersea dogs enjoy enrichment visit to beach
The five dogs were allowed to explore the beach with their handlers, and enjoyed digging in the sand and playing in the sea.
The day was part of Battersea’s ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’ celebrations.

Rescue dogs from Battersea’s rescue centre enjoyed a beach visit last week as part of Battersea’s ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’ celebrations.

Staff from Battersea’s Brands Hatch centre in Kent took Bounce, Kai, Milo, Dottie and Teddy to the beach as a special treat, where they were able to enjoy some new experiences before they went to their permanent homes.

The five dogs were allowed to explore the beach with their handlers, and enjoyed digging in the sand and playing in the sea.

While four of the five dogs are on their way to new homes, Dottie (pictured) is still looking for a family. Dottie’s profile can be seen here.

The charity’s ‘Wear Blue for Rescue’ campaign has been running throughout September, promoting the importance of caring for rescue dogs and cats.

The campaign has been encouraging pet owners and supporters to come together and wear blue to show their backing for dogs and cats that need a second chance at life, using the hashtag #WearBlueForRescue.

Battersea cared for 2,278 dogs and 2,253 cats across its three rescue centres in 2022, as well as supporting thousands more through their Communities programme and campaigning.

Bethany Montgomery, team leader at Battersea and one of those who took the dogs on their outing, said: “We had a great day taking our dogs out to the beach, they really enjoyed dipping their paws in the sea and running around in the sand.

“Expert care is at the heart of what we do at Battersea, and exploring different surroundings and having new experiences are a vital part of this. Local dog-friendly beaches are a great place for our dogs to stretch their legs and have a fun day out, and what better way to celebrate Battersea’s Wear Blue for Rescue!”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.