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Fox hunting vote postponed
fox
Proposed changes would allow foxes to be flushed out by packs of dogs. Currently only two dogs can be used for pest control.
SNP said it would vote against a dilution of the ban

A vote on changes to the fox hunting ban have been shelved after the Scottish National Party (SNP) revealed it would be voting against proposals to relax the law.

MPs were due to vote on what Defra termed 'a small number of technical amendments' to the Hunting Act (2004) today.

In England and Wales, currently only two dogs can be used to flush out foxes for pest control purposes.

The proposed amendments would allow the use of a pack of dogs, bringing the act into line with practices in Scotland. Opponents have said this is tantamount to returning fox hunting 'through the back door'.

Labour MP Maria Eagle called the government's proposals "a shambles" and accused the Prime Minister of "running scared because he knew he was going to lose the vote on fox hunting."

Scottish Parliament is currently making moves to review the effectiveness of its own hunting ban.

SNP Westminster group leader Angus Robertson MP said: "In these circumstances, it is right and proper that we assert the Scottish interest on fox hunting by voting with Labour against the Tories' proposals to relax the ban."

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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
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.