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BSAVA Congress News Archive
BVNA Council approves new officer team
19th July 2023
The British Veterinary Nursing Association has approved its new officer team for the coming year:
  • President: Lyndsay Hughes
  • Senior vice-president: Charlotte Pace
  • Junior vice-president: Craig Tessyman
  • Honorary treasurer: Sarah Holliday
  • Honorary secretary: Kim Rathbone
The new team will be formally ratified during the AGM on Sunday, 8 October at BVNA Congress.

Outgoing president Charlotte Pace said: "With our ongoing campaigns working towards legislative change, which include statutory protection of the 'veterinary nurse' title, it is an exciting time to be a BVNA member."

Image (C) BVNA
Nearly half of UK pet rabbits live alone
11th July 2023
A report has revealed that 42 per cent of rabbits live alone, despite veterinary advice that rabbits have compatible companions.

The 2023 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report also showed that five per cent lived with different animals. The PDSA estimates 530,000 rabbits are not having their companion needs met.

Catherine Burke, a PDSA veterinary surgeon, said: "If rabbits live alone, they can feel socially isolated and become bored, frustrated, anxious, and destructive. They need fellow bunny companionship, as it offers them warmth, comfort and company. This minimises boredom, and reduces their anxiety and stress."
BEVA offers free membership to Ukrainian vets
5th July 2023
Ukrainian equine veterinary surgeons are being offered free membership to the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) to enable them to remain up to date with research and CPD and have access to practical veterinary apps and peer support.

BEVA council member Alison Talbot said: "It takes grit, determination and bravery to continue to work to help horses in such a challenging environment. We hope that free membership will help provide some of the additional learning resources they may need, while our separate fundraising projects are helping to supply practical support."

Image (C) BEVA
RCVS Council allows extension to temporary registration scheme
29th June 2023
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has approved an 18 month extension to a scheme allowing temporary registration of Novice Official Veterinarians (TRNOVs) graduating from certain European accredited veterinary schools.

The extension allows appropriately qualified veterinarians with Level 6 English to register with the RCVS temporarily and work as temporary registered novice official veterinarians to provide meat hygiene controls in abattoirs in England and Wales.
Senior cat adoption falls, survey says
19th June 2023
Senior cat adoption by new cat owners has dropped by eight per cent since last year, according to a new survey.

Cats Protection highlighted the figure as part of Mature Moggies Day. Older cats take over three times longer than younger cats to be rehomed.

Cats Protection behaviour manager Nicky Trevorrow said: "By adopting a mature moggy, you'll be giving them a second chance at happiness in their twilight years as well as freeing up space in adoption centres so we can help even more cats."
VMD launches new Intelligence Unit
12th June 2023
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has announced its new Intelligence Unit which will be supported by a new database, and changes to online reporting which allows complete anonymity, if required.

The launch of the new Intelligence Unit comes after a review of enforcement processes. The review identified the need for a more targeted approach to handling the information VMD receives about suspected breaches of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.

Individuals can use the new online reporting form that will allow complete anonymity. Anonymous reports can also be made using the new telephone number: 01932 338338.
Chris Packham appointed RSPCA president
30th May 2023
The RSPCA has announced that Chris Packham has been appointed as the charity's new president.

The naturalist and television presenter, who is well-known for his work on Springwatch, steps up to the role after fifteen years as vice-president.

Mr Packham said: "This honour comes at a historic moment as the charity counts down to its 200th birthday next year in 2024. 200 years of driving forward amazing change for animals, but, arguably, I am taking up my position at one of the most critical times for animals in the charity's history."
New course to help vets manage complaints
25th May 2023
A new course has been launched by the RCVS Academy. It aims to give veterinary professionals the skills to avoid and resolve complaints with confidence and compassion.

The scenario-based course is free to access and has been developed in partnership with the Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS).

Jennie Jones, head of VCMS said: "Leveraging insights from the VCMS and involving our entire team with its production has enabled us to develop highly effective materials that ensure veterinary professionals are well-equipped to manage complaints."
'Rubbish' animal artist hails success of marathon
19th May 2023
Hercule Van Wolfwinkle's animal portrait marathon raised a total of £10,500 for Streetvet and Turning Tides.

The 'rubbish' portrait artist walked 26 miles on Sunday, 14 May, from Worthing to Brighton and back again. On the way, he stopped to badly draw people's pets to raise money for the two charities.

The famous yellow Y fronts worn by Hercule during the last section of the marathon, and are usually put on the animals he illustrates, will now be auctioned to increase the funds raised.
Calls for Government to go further with shock collar ban
3rd May 2023
Cats Protection has welcomed the ban on remote controlled electric shock collars, but calls for the Government to go further.

Madison Rogers from Cats Protection said: "While banning remote controlled electronic shock collars is a huge step forward, we would like to see the Government go further and ban the sale and use of all types of electronic shock collars and aversive training devices. Just as with collars, these devices cause needless pain, fear and suffering to cats and other animals."

The charity says punishment like electric shocks can lead to behavioural problems and impact the bond an owner has with their pet.
Virtual panel to discuss the future of vet practices
19th April 2023
The future of veterinary practices will discussed at a virtual event being held on Thursday, 27 April.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, will be on the panel along with Malcolm Morley, BVA president, and Liz Barton from VetCT. They will explore the challenges and opportunities facing the veterinary industry and how to prepare for the future.

This keynote discussion is the first session in an afternoon of veterinary practice management talks to help owners and management staff who are currently facing a challenging environment.

For more information and to register for the event, visit the Elearning.vet website.
Pet Blood Bank UK announces virtual fundraising challenge
29th March 2023
Pet Blood Bank UK is asking veterinary professionals to join its virtual fundraising challenge, Around the Coast in 30 Days, by walking, running, swimming or cycling as many miles as they can.

Beginning on 1 May 2023, the charity is hoping those taking part can reach a collective target of 11,232 miles, the length of the UK mainland coastline.

For more details on how to get involved, see the Pet Blood Bank UK website.