British vets have been honoured for their contributions to veterinary medicine at an awards ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa.

At its World Congress this month, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) presented Dr Michael Herrtage with the International Award for Scientific Achievement. Dr Herrtage is a professor of small animal medicine at Cambridge Veterinary School. The award recognises his considerable contributions to small animal internal medicine, particularly endocrinology.

Scottish veterinary surgeon Dr Lawson Cairns was awarded the WSAVA's Global Meritorious Service Award. Dr Cairns has run a veterinary practice near Durban in South Africa for the past 40 years. His award recognises his work to raise standards of CPD across the African continent.

WSAVA president, Professor Colin Burrows, said: "We aim to encourage excellence in small animal practice, showcasing the ground-breaking work being done by our colleagues around the world to raise standards of global veterinary care. We congratulate this year's worthy winners on their great contribution, both to our profession and to the welfare of companion animals worldwide."

(Image: Dr Herrtage receiving his award from Prof Burrows.)

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is marking World Rabies Day on September 28 by promoting the need for improved awareness among the public and the veterinary profession.

While the most devastating impact is seen on other continents, cases of the disease have been seen recently in Europe. There are also concerns that the illegal importation of dogs may pose a threat to the UK's rabies-free status.

BSAVA president Katie McConnell said: "We would encourage veterinary practices to contact their local authority to ensure that they know how to report suspected cases before the need arises. Veterinary surgeons need to remain vigilant for pets exhibiting clinical signs that might fit within the rabies spectrum, especially if there is a recent history of travel abroad."

For further details visit www.rabiesalliance.org

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in Old Windsor is celebrating 35 years of rescuing and rehoming thousands of dogs and cats in Surrey and Berkshire by holding a garden tea party for local animal lovers.

The event on Saturday 20 September marks 35 years since Battersea took over Bell Mead Boarding and Grooming Kennels in 1979.

Kaye Mughal, Battersea Old Windsor's centre manager, said: "I feel privileged to work for Battersea at Old Windsor and proud that we have helped so many animals over the last 35 years. We have seen our fair share of desperate cases in need of help, and found thousands of dogs and cats new homes to call their own."

The event runs from 12pm to 4pm and will include tea, cakes and games for all the family. For more information visit www.battersea.org.uk/oldwindsor

Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs returns to ITV this evening.

In this series Paul O' Grady returns to Battersea Cats & Dogs Home and meets the latest residents that need training, treatment and ultimately new homes.

In the first episode, Paul meets a nine-year-old jack russell terrier cross called Gromit, who was brought to Battersea because his owner was working increasingly long hours and couldn't spend any time with him.

Just like his famous Wallace and Gromit namesake - Gromit had been overindulging in his favourite food - cheese! He now weighs-in at a mammoth 14lbs - twice the size he should be.

Paul meets Gromit at the Brands Hatch Battersea Dogs and Cats home in Kent, and has a serious word with him about his cheese addiction

The programme starts tonight (Thursday, September 4) at 8.30pm.

The BSAVA is calling for speakers at the BSAVA Congress in April 2015. This is a fantastic opportunity for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and practice managers to present their work to the profession in a supportive and encouraging environment.

In the Clinical Abstract stream, an important part of congress, speakers will have 15 minutes to present their work. The presentations play a major role in the progress of veterinary science and provide delegates with the opportunity to be inspired by the latest studies and new research.

BSAVA invite members of the profession to submit articles either as presentations or posters from September 15 - October 20. Further information is available at www.bsava.com/congress

International Cat Care have announced that Windsor will be the venue for two consecutive feline conferences - the International Cat Care conference on Saturday, September 27, followed by The Cat Group Conference on Sunday, September 28.

The International Cat Care conference, which this year focuses on scent communication, cat behaviour and ophthalmology, provides a fantastic opportunity to gain insight from great speakers who are at the forefront of their respective fields, including the 'father of pheromones' Patrick Pageat, behaviourist and TV presenter John Bradshaw and eye specialist Christine Heinrich.

The Cat Group will be presenting new information on hand-rearing, sociability assessment, cats and the law and neutering and zoonoses. Behaviourists will be speaking on cat hoarding, multi-cat environments and the results of the Group's hand-rearing of kittens survey.

The conferences are open to all and will be of interest to both cat owners and regular conference delegates.

For more information and to register go to www.icatcare.org/learn/calendar-events