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RCVS responds to disciplinary concerns
Gordon Hockey, RCVS

Decision to remove vet from register clarified

After concerns from members of the profession, the RCVS has clarified its decision to remove veterinary surgeon, Munhuwepasi Chikosi, from the register.

Mr Chikosi was struck off on June 18 after a Disciplinary Committee (DC) hearing found that he caused unnecessary suffering to a 14-year-old labrador cross, by failing to attend to her for over an hour after she was run over at a farm.

The RCVS has reportedly received a number of comments on the case, and has responded to confusion and anxiety from some members of the profession by issuing a statement.

"Cases around 24-hour emergency cover do tend to spark debate," said Gordon Hockey, RCVS head of legal services and registrar.

"Nothing takes the place of reading the full decision of the DC, and I would urge veterinary surgeons with an interest in this area to take the time to do this."

Further, the college stated that the decision over Mr Chikosi is consistent with current guidance in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.

Advice on first aid and pain relief is currently: "1.4 Veterinary surgeons in practice must take steps to provide 24-hour emergency first aid and pain relief to animals according to their skills and the specific situation."

To read the full decision of the DC, click here.

 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.