Hazel Kelly from Corstorphine went on a ‘wee wander’ on Monday. Hazel walked a six-mile circuit of Inverleith Park and the Botanic Gardens to raise funds for a local charity drive very close to her heart, Corstorphine Community Talking Books. Continue reading Hazel takes ‘a wee wander’ in aid of Talking Books for the blind
Over 7 million UK pets at risk of suffering and disease through lack of vaccination, PDSA’s latest PAW Report finds
Latest findings from leading vet charity PDSA reveal a record decline in the number of young pets receiving their vaccinations, leaving many of Scotland’s pet population unprotected and exposed to potentially fatal diseases.
The 2019 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, the largest report of its kind, found the number of UK pets receiving their primary vaccinations when young – which protect pets from deadly diseases and viruses – has dropped dramatically from 84% in 2016 to 66% in 2019, an 18 percentage point decrease in just three years. This could leave over 7 million pets unprotected.
Findings from the 2019 PAW Report also show that one third (32%) of UK pets aren’t receiving regular booster vaccines, which keep them protected from potentially fatal diseases.
Of those UK pet owners who hadn’t vaccinated their pet, 17% said that they deemed it ‘too expensive’, an additional 17% said their pet didn’t come into contact with other animals. Other explanations included 16% who felt it was ‘unnecessary’, while other pet owners (13%) said that their ‘pet found going to the vets very stressful’.
The worrying findings coincide with growing hesitancy towards vaccinations in children, renewing One Health concerns that an “anti-vax” phenomenon – scepticism towards the safety and efficacy of vaccines – could be directed towards pets as well as children.
Falling vaccination rates have been cited by the World Health Organisation as one of the top ten threats to global health**. In 2019, the UK lost its measles-free status, three years after the virus was eliminated in the country.
Commenting on the findings, PDSA Senior Vet, Sean Wensley, said: “It’s extremely worrying to see such a decline in the number of young pets receiving their primary vaccinations.
“Vaccinations have helped to protect millions of pets from serious diseases such as parvovirus, cat flu and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. If people don’t vaccinate we risk seeing a rise in extremely unpleasant, preventable, diseases that can cause considerable animal suffering and death.”
Sean adds: “In addition to the vaccination findings, the PAW Report found there has been a decline in owners who feel informed about all of their pets’ 5 Welfare Needs – the five things that all pets need to be healthy and happy – contributing to millions of our much-loved pets not having their basic needs met.
“For example, 1.9 million dogs (19%) are left alone for five or more hours every day and 1.3 million dogs (13%) aren’t walked every day, increasing the risks of obesity and poor mental wellbeing linked to isolation and boredom.
The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report has monitored pet welfare issues across the UK for the last nine years, surveying over 73,500 people in this time. Produced in conjunction with YouGov, the PAW Report provides a robust insight into the lives of pet dogs, cats and rabbits across the UK.
Key findings from the 2019 PDSA PAW Report:
PDSA is calling for owners to complete their online quiz to share their thoughts on the health and happiness of their own much-loved pets. There’s also a chance to win a hamper worth £200! https://bit.ly/2luGzE7
Other concerning findings from PDSA’s latest PAW Report, which the charity believes is leading to unnecessary misery for the UK’s pets, include:
NSPCC Scotland’s ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ (SOSS) service which helps children to learn how to recognise abuse, has now been delivered in all mainstream primary schools in Edinburgh. Continue reading NSPCC Scotland’s School Service delivered to all schools in Edinburgh
Invergordon’s new Shannon class lifeboat is set to host the names of thousands of people being commemorated by loved ones in the RNLI’s new and unique memorial.
The name of each person being remembered will be featured within the lifeboat’s letters and numbers, or decal, displayed on the lifeboat’s hull. Continue reading Scottish RNLI Lifeboat Station to receive charity’s first sea-going Memorial
September will mark the launch of leading law firm Thorntons’ first Charity Wills month in Edinburgh – all in aid of Cash for Kids. Continue reading Thorntons brings its Charity Wills campaign to the capital
A woman who woke up to sudden sight loss is to take on Edinburgh Kiltwalk for RNIB. Elizabeth O’Hara is urging people to join her for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday, September 15th, to raise money for sight loss charity RNIB. Continue reading Woman who woke up to sudden sight loss to take on Edinburgh Kiltwalk for RNIB
With just over a month to go until Edinburgh’s Kiltwalk, Scotland’s largest children’s charity is offering free entry to the event for those pledging to walk for them. Continue reading Charity offers free places to Edinburgh Kiltwalkers
Whether you are a seasoned runner or a novice looking for a challenge, the Great Scottish Run may be for you! And what better than to join ‘Team Stroke’ and raise funds for the Stroke Association. Continue reading Challenge yourself this September and have the run of a lifetime!
Underbelly sold-out the McEwan Hall on Monday, raising a grand total of £41,055.00 through its third annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit. Continue reading Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit raises £41,055 for The Brain Tumour Charity
Love Island star Anton Danyluk has called on fellow Scots to sign up to this year’s last two remaining Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events.
Airdrie-born Anton, who shot to fame on the popular ITV2 show, has “got a text” for the nation via video message, urging people to participate in the events in Dundee and Edinburgh.
He also congratulated the Kiltwalk for becoming the fifth biggest mass-participation charity event in the UK, climbing an incredible nine places from last year.
Anton said: “I would just like to congratulate Kiltwalk in all their successes. As a fellow Scot, it’s amazing to see.”
Kiltwalk has already seen more than 16,000 walkers participate in the Glasgow and Aberdeen events earlier this year, raising £4.5 million for charities across the country, including the 40% boost from The Hunter Foundation.
Anton continued: “I just want to encourage you guys to get involved. Get your kilt on, sign up to one of the events and raise money for a charity that means a lot to you.”
Last year, 20,082 walkers helped to raise £3.6 million for 1,156 charities across Scotland. Thanks to backing from Sir Tom Hunter, a 40% top-up by The Hunter Foundation brought the impressive total to more than £5 million.
Kiltwalk Chief Executive Paul Cooney said: “It’s brilliant to have another high-profile Scot showing support for our event. We’re thrilled to have Anton’s backing for this year’s Kiltwalks, and I’d like to say a huge thank you for his amazing support.
“To the people of Dundee and Edinburgh, we want you to “crack on” with the last two remaining Kiltwalks to be bigger than ever before, raising those all-important funds for Scotland’s amazing charities. Like Anton said, grab your kilt and get walking!”
Registration for the Dundee and Edinburgh events are open. Events will take place on:
For more information about the Kiltwalk, or to register, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk
