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Naturewatch Foundation to launch Pet Rescue Grant
Applications open on 24 January 2024.
Funding will be available for the animal rescue sector.

The animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation is launching a new grant to support the rescue and rehabilitation of cats, dogs, and rabbits affected by the illegal pet trade.

Available from 2024, the annual Pet Rescue Grant will award at least £5,000 to charities and community interest companies in the UK. The grant can be used to help rescued animals by funding things such as veterinary care, behavioural support, facilities, equipment and training.

The grant has been made available at a time when many animal rescue organisations have reported that they are struggling to offer accommodation to the high number of animals needing care while facing higher costs owing to inflation.

Animals bred and sold in the illegal pet trade have often experienced low welfare standards and are more likely to develop problems with their health and behaviour.

Natalie Harney, campaign manager at Naturewatch Foundation, said, “As an animal-loving nation, it’s a tragedy that so many of our beloved pets are the product of the illicit pet trade.

We’ve been campaigning and investigating to end illegal breeding for years, but we know that without the rescue sector, many abused and exploited pets simply wouldn’t get the loving care and specialist support they deserve.

Our new Pet Rescue Grant is our small way of helping those selfless organisations that pick up the pieces.”

Applications open on 24 January 2024 and close on 21 February 2024.

Image © Naturewatch Foundation

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 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. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.