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Donkey Sanctuary works with police for ‘Operation Gallop’
Police officers joined the Donkey Sanctuary for a training session.
The initiative is tackling equine crime and promoting animal welfare.

The Donkey Sanctuary is working with the Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team as part of a national initiative to tackle equine-related crime.

Operation Gallop has seen the Rural Affairs Team connect with equine communities to share crime prevention advice and build stronger relationships, with the Donkey Sanctuary also sharing specific equine guidance.

During the visit to the Sidmouth site, the Donkey Sanctuary’s welfare team presented the police officers with a training session, exploring donkey care and behaviour. As well as explaining how donkeys’ needs differ from horses, the team also covered practical topics including equine identification and passport legislation.

This is the second time Devon and Cornwall Police and Rural Affairs team has visited the Donkey Sanctuary, after previously providing crime prevention advice and forensic property marking vital equipment.

PC Lucy Wyatt, rural affairs officer at Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “As a rural policing team, we encounter a wide variety of animal-related issues, and it’s vital that we understand the different needs of animals in our communities.

“Donkeys, for example, are more stoic than horses, more prone to certain health issues like obesity and hoof problems and respond differently to stress and handling. The training has been incredibly valuable in helping us identify potential welfare concerns and avoid incorrect assumptions based on horse behaviour.”

Hannah Bryer, the Donkey Sanctuary’s head of welfare, added: “Welcoming the Devon and Cornwall Rural Policing Team to our headquarters this week provided a valuable opportunity for officers to learn about the needs and behaviour of donkeys and mules. This knowledge will help them in the field and give them a greater understanding of the support available through our welfare team.

“Partnerships like this play a crucial role in helping us reach more donkeys and their owners. By working together, we can strengthen our impact within communities and continue our mission to improve the lives of donkeys every day.”

Image © The Donkey Sanctuary

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."