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RVNs campaign against breed specific legislation
Both Shakira and Gemma work within the charity sector and say they have experienced the "depressing reality" of BSL.

Calls for vets and nurses to take part in protest
 
Two veterinary nurses have launched a campaign to tackle breed specific legislation (BSL), which bans types of dogs based on their physical appearance under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Shakira Free Miles and Gemma Plumer are urging veterinary surgeons and nurses to join them at a peaceful protest this Saturday (11 July).

Organised by DDA Watch, the protest will be held in Westminster, London from 2-6pm.

Both Shakira and Gemma work within the charity sector and say they have experienced the "depressing reality" of BSL.

"As veterinary nurses our job entails holding that innocent dog for euthanasia, and the veterinary surgeons to give the lethal injection.

"We believe this is wrong and we would like to see an end to breed discrimination. This law penalises responsible owners and healthy innocent dogs.
 
"Our new campaign is to spread awareness about BSL within our veterinary community and to stand together and put an end to this law that is not working.

"We are in a desirable position to do something as veterinary nurses, this is our time and our opportunity to really change things. We have the drive and a voice to end BSL and hope to have the support of our veterinary community."

Shakira and Gemma say their campaign is getting evermore support on Twitter and an official government e-petition is on the horizon. They hope to debate BSL in the House of Commons if they get the required 100,000 signatures.

Commenting on this week's protest, Shakira and Gemma said: "We would love as many vets and veterinary nurses to join us in their uniform to represent veterinary professionals and offer their support to our campaign."

You can get in touch by email: saveabulls@gmail.com, Twitter: @SaveABulls, or Facebook: SaveABulls
 

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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.