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Abandoned puppy rescue features in Christmas advert
The advert features two abandoned puppies being rescued.
The RSPCA advert is based on true rescue story.

The RSPCA has launched a Join the Christmas Rescue appeal alongside a new Christmas advert.

The advert is based on the real rescue of Staffordshire bull terrier-type puppies Jack and Poppy by RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes. The two dogs had been abandoned in a flat in Merseyside when their owners moved out.

After a neighbour had reported their suspicions that the dogs may have been left behind, the RSPCA found them in an emaciated condition. They had not been left with any food or water.

Mr Joynes said: “The puppies were so weak and terrified they had almost given up on life – it was really lucky we were alerted to their plight when we were because I don’t think they would have survived much longer.”

Both puppies received emergency veterinary treatment. They have recovered well and have since been rehomed.

Last Christmas, the RSPCA received reports of more than 700 incidents. Its frontline officers, veterinary teams, and branch staff work every day of the year.

The charity expects to be busy again this Christmas. It believes that financial pressures are causing a rise in the number of pet abandonments and neglect reports.

Mr Joynes added: “Sadly now, during the winter months, we see more people financially struggling which leads to more reports like this.

“But we can make a difference, and with the public’s help if they Join The Christmas Rescue they can support our rescuers, veterinary teams, branches and centre staff who work tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment and love that will save their lives.”

The advert can be watched here.

Image © RSPCA

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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.