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Cats Protection names new chief executive   
James Yeates has extensive experience in ensuring the welfare of all animals.

RSPCA vet James Yeates begins new role in November

Leading feline welfare charity Cats Protection has announced the appointment of James Yeates as its new chief executive.

James is chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA and will commence his new role on Thursday, 1 November. His work will involve leading efforts to expand the charity’s rehoming, neutering and advocacy work.

Commenting on his appointment, James said: “It is a great opportunity to join such an amazing organisation as Cats Protection and also a profound honour to join with such inspiring people – volunteers and staff. To be part of that is such a privilege.”

James has extensive experience in ensuring the welfare of all animals. He is a qualified vet, with degrees in veterinary science and bioethics, as well as a PhD.

He is also an RCVS registered specialist in animal welfare, science, ethics and law, and a diplomat of the RCVS and the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine.

Linda Upson, Cats Protection’s chairman of trustees, said: "I am delighted that we are welcoming James to Cats Protection. His extensive knowledge of the animal welfare sector, coupled with his love of cats, will make him a great addition to our existing senior management team.

“I am looking forward to working with him in the coming years as he leads the charity forward to fulfil our vision where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs."

Image (C) Cats Protection

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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.