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Latitude criticised over pink sheep
The RSPCA said: "We want all animals treated with kindness and respect and would discourage people from painting or dying animals for novelty purposes.”
Petition calls on festival to end its 14-year tradition 

Latitude Festival has defended social media posts showing sheep that were dyed pink to promote the event, which took place last week (18-21 July).

A video showing the sheep being released at Henham Park prompted a backlash on social media after being posted to Instagram.

While some defended the sheep-dyeing tradition - which has become a signature of the festival for the past 14 years - others branded it ‘cruel’ and ‘disgusting’.

According to BBC News, Latitude organisers said the water-based dye is not harmful and sheep welfare is the priority for farmers.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA added that it would be writing to the organisers.

“We want all animals treated with kindness and respect and would discourage people from painting or dying animals for novelty purposes.”

A petition on Change.org is calling for Latitude to cease the tradition and to remove the animals from the festival, where they are exposed to ‘loud noise and drunken revellers’. It has been signed by more than 4,500 people.

Latitude has been approached for comment.

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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.