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Battersea names hospital in honour of Paul O’Grady
Paul O'Grady presented 11 series of For the Love of Dogs from Battersea.

The presenter served as an ambassador for the charity.

Battersea has paid tribute to its former ambassador Paul O’Grady by naming a veterinary hospital in his honour.

The Paul O’Grady Veterinary Hospital will mean that the comedian and television presenter continues to be closely associated with the charity.

O’Grady presented 11 series of the award-winning documentary For the Love of Dogs, which shone a light on the rescue animals at Battersea.

The charity has also announced how it will spend the money raised by a tribute fund set up following the passing of the popular comedian and television presenter in March. A total of £480,000 was donated to Battersea by members of the public.

As well as funding life-saving and transformative veterinary treatment for animals in the charity’s care, five other animal welfare charities supported by O’Grady will benefit from the donations.

StreetVet, for which O’Grady was also an ambassador, will be receiving a share of the fund, as will RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery. The cattery was close to the broadcaster’s home in Kent and he served as its president.

The other three charities to benefit are based in Merseyside, where O’Grady grew up. They are Freshfields Animal Rescue, Carla Lane Animals in Need, and The Oldies Club.

Each of the five charities will receive £20,000.

Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the generous donations from thousands of people following the death of our beloved ambassador, Paul O’Grady. It really is a testament to how loved Paul was, and we shall always be forever grateful for everything he did for us.”

Paul’s husband Andre Portasio added: “Seeing how loved Paul was by so many has been truly touching. Paul was so passionate in his support of rescue animals, and it gives me some comfort to know that through the hard work and commitment of Battersea and other charities Paul’s legacy will live on.

“I know that Paul would have been pleased to know that the most disadvantaged animals he was so fond of championing are getting the love and support they deserve.”

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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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.