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Human-animal bond to be celebrated on 23 July
Clare Balding will be in conversation with artist Hercule Van Wolfwinkle.

Clare Balding to take part in day of online talks.

This Sunday, 23 July, will mark the first ever National Human-Animal Bond Awareness Day. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the many ways in which animals benefit humans through companionship, work and assistance.

Created by StreetVet volunteer Tammie O’Leary and the charity’s co-founder Jade Statt, the new awareness day has drawn support from a wide range of animal-welfare charities and animal-loving celebrities.

Television presenter Clare Balding, who is an ambassador for StreetVet, will be taking part in the day’s events alongside other familiar faces. Twenty-nine charities will also be joining the celebration of the human-animal bond, including Battersea, The Donkey Sanctuary, and Riding for the Disabled.

The day will be marked with an online series of virtual talks by animal health experts and animal lovers. Hercule Van Wolfwinkle, known for his ‘rubbish’ pet portraits, will be one of the presenters, and social media star and small animal veterinary surgeon Cat the Vet will be giving a talk on pet food myths. Other speakers lined up include Rory the Vet, Dr Sarah Heath, and Dr James Greenwood.

The events will be free to attend through Facebook Live and Zoom, with event details available on Facebook. The organisers have also been running a series of competitions to raise awareness of the day, with prizes including signed books by David Walliams and Will Young.

Ms Balding said: “I’m delighted to support StreetVet in its daily mission - its clients and their dogs really demonstrate the strength and importance of the human-animal bond. Animals have always been hugely important to me and growing up I was surrounded by horses and dogs, so I can’t wait to celebrate this special relationship.”

Ms Statt added: “There are so many charities and organisations which work tirelessly to highlight the importance of the human-animal bond and we want to share them, together with the amazing experiences of our clients. Recognition of the importance of the human-animal bond is the foundation upon which StreetVet was created.”

 

Image (C) StreetVet

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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.