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Congress highlights “critical importance” of RSPCA’s equine vet relationship
Jack has made a complete transformation since coming into the RSPCA's care.

Charity says rehabilitation efforts ‘would not be possible’ without work with vets

The “critical importance” of the working relationship between the RSPCA and equine vets has been highlighted at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress.

Speaking at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, RSPCA chief veterinary officer Dr Caroline Allen, said: “It is fantastic to be representing the RSPCA at the hugely important British Equine Veterinary Association Congress.

“Sadly, the mistreatment of equines is a very big part of the RSPCA's frontline work – but our efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses would not be possible without our work with vets.

“The RSPCA’s working relationship with equine veterinary professionals is of critical importance, and this congress is a great opportunity to discuss how we can do even more to help one another and support even more equines across England and Wales.”

Her comments followed the ‘miraculous’ transformation of one of the countless horses rescued by the charity every year.

Jack, a veteran 15-hand chestnut gelding, is finally settling into his new home after having made a complete transformation since coming into the RSPCA's care.

In May 2018, RSPCA officers found Jack ‘with serious welfare concerns’ at an abandoned stable in Furnace, near Llanelli. Many months of care and rehabilitation followed, with a veterinary assessment confirming Jack had indeed been suffering when first abandoned.

RSPCA inspectorate national equine co-ordinator Christine McNeil, who also spoke at BEVA Congress, said: “Jack’s journey highlights the sort of horrendous conditions many equines are subjected to each and every year.

“Thankfully, thanks to our relationship with equine vets, we are able to help so many of these beautiful animals each and every year – and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the equine veterinary profession.”

Image (C) RSPCA.

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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.