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
More Owners Abandoning Pregnant Dogs
The number of pregnant dogs abandoned by their owners is on the rise.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has revealed that more pregnant dogs are abandoned by owners who have failed to get their dogs neutered.

The number of births at the three South London sites is five times as high as this time last year, with 32 puppies born in Battersea's care compared to only six for the same period in 2010.

While it is often easy to rehome new puppies, Battersea is concerned that pet owners are failing to grasp the consequences of not getting their dog neutered until it is too late.

Battersea's Head of Animal Services Laura Jenkins said: "We believe that the number of unwanted animals coming through the Home's doors would be significantly reduced if more people took the responsible decision to neuter their pets."

Laura Jenkins added: "It's a common misconception that neutering is cruel as it actually has significant health benefits including reducing the risk of womb infection and tumours in both cats and dogs."

Battersea advises that owners must be urged to neuter their pets, to help prevent owners who cannot cope with unwanted puppies, abandoning their dogs. 

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

BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.