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Profession pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Her Majesty had a lifelong passion for animals and was a firm supporter of the work of veterinary professionals.
The RCVS and BVA have released statements following the death of The Queen at Balmoral on Thursday. 

The veterinary profession has paid tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II following her passing, aged 96, on Thursday.

Her Majesty had a lifelong passion for animals and is being remembered as a supporter of the work of veterinary professionals and educational institutions.

In a statement on its website, the RCVS said: “Like the whole of the UK, the President, Councils and staff of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons are devastated to learn of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, our loyal Patron and benefactor since 1952.

“Throughout her 70-year reign, the Queen, as a renowned animal-lover, was a steadfast supporter of both the College and the veterinary professions as a whole.

"She visited the former RCVS headquarters in 1994 for our 'Charter 150' celebrations, to mark the 150th anniversary of our original Royal Charter, and granted permission to use her name and likeness for the RCVS Queen’s Medal, the highest honour the RCVS can bestow upon a veterinary surgeon.

“We reflect upon her extraordinary legacy, service and contribution with both awe and sadness, and, along with all in the veterinary professions, our thoughts are with the Royal Family on this very difficult day.”

British Veterinary Association (BVA), BVA President Justine Shotton, said: “All of us at the British Veterinary Association are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our Patron Her Majesty The Queen.

“A dedicated public servant and a lifelong animal lover, as our Patron for more than seven decades she helped build the UK’s international reputation for high standards of animal welfare, supported the vital work of our veterinary professionals, and improved the lives of animals both here in the UK and across the world.

“We are eternally grateful for her service and our hearts and thoughts are with her family, her friends, and the nation.”

 

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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.

 

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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.