Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

PETA launches campaign against apes in show business
Use of chimpanzee in upcoming film sparks online petition

UK charity PETA has launched an online advertising campaign following the use of a chimpanzee in the upcoming movie The Wolf on Wall Street, which features actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Alongside primatologist Jane Goodall, PETA US have urged DiCaprio not to work with great apes in the future due to the poor treatment they say the animals receive in show business.

The US adverts include a graphic video about the lives of primate "actors", which the charity says is aimed at informing DiCaprio and cinema-goers that chimpanzee actors are taken from their mothers at an early age and suffer abuse.

According to PETA, an online petition asking fans to urge DiCaprio not to work with great apes again has so far received 35,000 signatures.

PETA UK's Mimi Bekhechi said: "We hope the next time Leo receives a script with an ape 'actor' in it, he'll remember that these sensitive animals are stolen from their mothers at birth and subjected to physical abuse – and he'll demand a rewrite."

Actress Anjelica Hudson has narrated a video for PETA US on the suffering of great apes in the entertainment business.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.