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Woman’s Best Friend?
According to a new report, men are being sidelined as small dogs take the number one spot in women’s affections finds new report.

The research, designed to explore the role small dogs play in women’s lives, reveals that women are turning to their four-legged friends for emotional support with one in three cuddling their pet to cheer themselves up instead of talking to their partner.
 
Furthermore, it seems men face being kicked off the sofa in favour of a furry substitut as one in three women say they would rather watch TV with their small dog than partner.
 
Even the prime spot on the mantelpiece is dominated by four-legged family members. A quarter of women say a picture of their small dog now sits in spots formerly held by family photos.
 
Small dogs command the lion’s share of women’s budget for gifts too. A quarter of women confess to spending more on treating their small dogs than themselves.

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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. 

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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.