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Peter Laurie named Battersea's new chief executive
"I feel very honoured and excited to be asked to lead Battersea." Peter Laurie (pictured).

Mr Laurie aims to lead renowned charity out of lockdown.

Animal welfare charity Battersea has announced that Peter Laurie will take over as its new chief executive, following the departure of Claire Horton CBE from the charity.

“Peter is well-known and respected in the animal welfare sector,” said Battersea chairman, Paul Baldwin. “During his six years at Battersea, he has led the development of Battersea’s work to support animal rescue organisations across the UK and worldwide.

"He played a leading role last year in working with sector colleagues and Government to provide a framework for animal rescue and rehoming organisations to continue operating during the pandemic.

“Battersea is a dynamic, thriving, and ambitious charity that is already making great strides as a force for change, and I very much look forward to working with Peter to fulfil our ambitious plans.”

Mr Laurie joined Battersea in February 2015 as director of operations. He became deputy chief executive in March 2017 and has held the position of interim chief executive since January.

His appointment comes at a time when Battersea's services are in increasingly high demand. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on rescue centres, pet owners and animals alike, and a rise in demand for pets has caused a sharp increase in puppies and kittens being smuggled or imported into the UK.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Laurie said: “I feel very honoured and excited to be asked to lead Battersea. It’s a charity I am deeply committed to and a cause I am truly passionate about. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff, volunteers and supporters are as determined now as at any time in our history to be here for every dog and cat that needs us.

“We look forward to harnessing new opportunities and working in partnership with colleagues across the UK and around the world to create brighter futures for these wonderful animals”.

Image (c) Battersea.

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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.