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One special rescue dog set to meet the Queen
Battersea dog with crown
Anyone who has adopted a Battersea dog can enter by tweeting a photo or video of their pooch to @BDCH.

A royal occasion to celebrate Battersea's new kennels

Her Majesty the Queen is set to open Battersea Dogs and Cats Home's new kennels this month. To celebrate this grand occasion, one former rescue dog and their owner will be returning to the home for the royal visit.

Nearly a year ago, the charity vowed to replace its old Victorian kennels with £1.9 million state-of-the-art facilities. Having first opened its doors more than 150 years ago, Battersea wanted to bring its kennels into the 21st century.

Her Majesty has been the charity's royal patron since May 18, 1956. She will officially open the new kennels on March 17 and during her visit, one very special rescue dog will be able to meet her.

Claire Horton, Battersea's chief executive said: "What Battersea dog owner wouldn’t want their pet to see The Queen?

"At Battersea we pride ourselves on giving a second chance of happiness to thousands of dogs every year, and now we can offer one outstanding former resident the extraordinary experience of joining us to greet our royal patron."

Anyone who has adopted a Battersea dog can enter by sending a photo or video of their pooch to the charity's Twitter page (@BDCH) with the hashtag #Maamsbestfriend. Proud owners can be as creative as they like with their entries.

The competition will run until Friday, March 6 and the winning dog will be notified on March 12, so they can prepare for their royal appointment.

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

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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
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.