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Top of the Dogs
Pete the Lurcher with his Master's degree

Battersea rescue dog gains Master’s degree

Pete, a four-year old-lurcher awaiting a new home, has become Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’s first highly educated dog after being awarded a Master’s Degree.

The clever canine has been at the home for 133 days after arriving as a stray and was awarded a Master’s in Business (MBA) as part of an episode of BBC Newsnight, which was investigating a university offering postgraduate qualifications in exchange for money.

Staff at the world-famous animal charity are very proud of Pete and hope that his exemplary learning credentials will help him find a home.

He has had plenty of time to study his business books as he recovered from a major operation on his front leg.

The gentle-natured lurcher has been recuperating with lots of care from the charity’s clinic team and they are now eager to show people what a great pet he would make.

Although Pete can be worried by other dogs he has a lovely nature, and, with the right owners, he can start to relax.

Rob Young, head of dog rehoming, says: “To have a dog with a Master’s degree in our midst is certainly a first for Battersea and we’re proud as punch of Pete and his astounding intellect!”

“Like a number of dogs in our care, Pete has been at Battersea for over three times the average stay and is really deserving of a loving new family that will enjoy having a scholar in the family. Pete’s ready to pack his degree and books and show his new owners how clever he is.”

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.