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Blue Cross recreates historic images with celebrities
Lauren Steadman MBE recreated Wounded War Dogs poster with her rescue dog Kira.

The initiative celebrates the charity's impressive heritage.

To celebrate its 125th anniversary, Blue Cross has teamed up with UK celebrities to recreate historic and iconic images from the charity's past.

Paralympian Lauren Steadman MBE, actor and comedian David Harewood MBE and comedian Bill Bailey all posed to recreate images from Blue Cross archives – commemorating the charity's impact over the years.

Alongside these celebrity recreations, five members of the Blue Cross rehoming team recreated an archive photo of 'kennel maids', who cared for dogs fighting overseas during World War II. 

Iain Heaton, deputy CEO and CFO at Blue Cross, commented on the recreations: “We are delighted to share these recreated historic images with our supporters, beneficiaries, and the British public. 

“Bill, David, Lauren, and our hard-working rehoming team have done a phenomenal job at demonstrating how we have supported both pets and people over the last 125 years, and we can’t wait to see people’s response. “

Lauren Steadman recreated a poster for the Blue Cross Fund for Wounded War Dogs, which was put up in the United States to encourage donations during World War I. 

Commented on the experience, Lauren said: “It was wonderful to have my beautiful dog Kira on set with me to create this image of a WWI nurse treating a wounded dog. 

“Kira is a rescue dog, so I have a huge appreciation for the work that Blue Cross and pet charities do.”

David Harewood, along with Kit – a Dutch shepherd rehomed by Blue Cross, recreated an image of a WWII soldier visiting his dog in the Charlton Kennels. David said:  “I am so thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful celebration, and to have had the opportunity to recreate such a special moment between a British soldier and his dog. 

“This campaign not only highlights how long Blue Cross has been around to support pets and people, but also how the love for animals can also span across generations – I’m so proud to be involved!”

An image of a Pearly King with a horse saved by Blue Cross was recreated by Bill Bailey. He said: “I had a great time transforming into a Pearly King! 

“I love all animals, so having an opportunity to celebrate Blue Cross’ heritage and highlight the support that they have continued to offer to horses, and other animals, since their inception was really special.”

Iain Heaton explained: “Since Blue Cross’ formation in 1897, we have been present for both people and pets during key moments in history, and we continue to support them through our veterinary, rehoming and behavioural services to this very day. 

“But our job is not done, and we are needed today more than ever. So, as well as celebrating our illustrious heritage, we hope that this campaign helps to drive further awareness and understanding of our cause.” 

 

Images (C) Blue Cross

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

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 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. 

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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.