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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th March 2018
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

Dog walkers urged to 'Respect the Lead’
Zoe's Respect the Lead campaign aims to educate owners on how to let their dog interact with others in a happy and safe way.
New campaign encourages good lead etiquette

A mobile veterinary nurse from West Sussex has launched a campaign to help raise awareness that dogs are often kept on a lead 'for good reason'.

Zoe Blake from Horsham hopes that her Respect the Lead campaign will help educate owners on how to let their dog interact with others in a happy and safe way.

Ms Blake provides pet care services in and around Horsham through her business, The Friendly Pet Nurse. Writing on her website, she said that many dog owners do not understand the importance of good lead etiquette and controlling their dog around others:

‘Owning a dog can be such a rewarding lifestyle keeping us fit healthy and enjoying the beautiful countryside. However, for many walking their dog can actually be the opposite, it can bring nervousness and stress which may lead to that dog and owner missing out.

‘In my work with animals over the years, I regularly see dog owners not understanding the importance of controlling their dog whilst around others. Whilst you may have a dog which is happy to interact with others, it is important to remember that this is not the case for everyone.’

To help spread the word about the importance of good lead etiquette, Ms Blake has put together a selection of posters and a campaign video, which can be found on her dedicated resources page. She will also be posting regular updates about the campaign to Facebook.

‘Taking your dog for a walk should be an enjoyable experience for both owner and dog alike,’ said Zoe. ‘By remembering to Respect The Lead we can ensure a safe and happy environment for everyone.’

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

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.

 

Click here for more...
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.