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Outgoing RSPCA chair receives New Year Honour
René Olivieri will accept a CBE for his services to the charitable sector.
René Olivieri has been awarded a CBE.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has congratulated its outgoing chair, as he receives a CBE in this year’s New Years Honours.

René Olivieri, who was appointed chair of the RSPCA in 2019, will accept a CBE for his services to the charitable sector.

Mr Olivieri has served four years in the role, during which he saw the board of trustees through the global pandemic.

He was also responsible for overseeing the charity’s ten year strategy, Together for Animal Welfare. The plan will see the RSPCA call on government organisations, businesses and supporters to help them achieve their eight goals, which include stopping illegal puppy and kitten trading, reducing animal cruelty by half, and securing legal protection for animals.

Mr Olivieri has a particular interest in the welfare of farmed animals. He was the founder of the Farm Animal Welfare Forum (FAWF), which brings together organisations such as the British Veterinary Association, RSPCA and Compassion in World Farming to improve farm animal welfare.

His work has also seen him chair and be a member on the boards of professional and charitable organisations including wildlife trusts, publishing and academia. In February 2022, he became chair of the National Trust.

Mr Olivieri stepped down as RSPCA chair in April 2023, however will continue in his role as vice chair and trustee of RSPCA Assured. The new chair, Claire Horton CBE, began her three-year term on 1 January 2024.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “I am delighted to congratulate René on the news of this wonderful achievement - what an honour to be recognised for services to charity.

“To be awarded CBE is an outstanding accolade, marking decades of dedication to improving animal welfare, as well as his commitment to nature and heritage. The animal world is undoubtedly better off thanks to his commitment.”

Image © RSPCA

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.