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New York considers end to ferret ban
ferret
Ferret keeping was banned in 1999.
Long-standing ban on ferret ownership may be overturned

New York health officials are considering a repeal of the city's ferret keeping ban, the New York Times reports.

In 1999, former New York mayor Rudolph Guiliani made it illegal to own ferrets, due to fears over rabies and attacks on young children. However, the move has prompted controversy among many.

According to the New York Times, current mayor Bill de Blasio is aiming to legalise ferret ownership once again.

In an internal paper reviewed by the paper, New York health officials weigh the pros and cons of allowing ferrets to be kept as pets.

On the pro side, officials said evidence shows ferrets do not bite more often or more severely than other pets of the same size. However, young children may be vulnerable to ferret bites, the internal paper says.

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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.