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Vet launches venture to support animal welfare charities
Vet Maggie Roberts previously worked for Cats Protection.
The company will provide veterinary and legal advice.

A veterinary surgeon has launched a new consultancy company to provide veterinary and legal advice to charities and other not-for-profit organisations involved in animal welfare

Maggie Roberts, who previously worked for Cats Protection as director of feline welfare and director of veterinary services, has set up Advovet alongside lawyer Dominic Sullivan.

As well as working for Cats Protection, Dr Roberts has served as a member of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Small Animal Expert Group among other roles and was recently appointed as the independent chair of the Microchipping Trade Association.

Mr Sullivan has also worked for Cats Protection, including as interim chief executive. Together the two founders have a combined 45 years’ experience in the animal welfare sector.

The company will offer advice on medicine, shelter design, training, governance, and charity and animal welfare law.

Dr Roberts said: “Many people start up animal charities with the best of intentions but can lack the experience of running an organisation or dealing with multiple animals.”

“During my career I’ve seen many become overwhelmed or run out of funds, which can have a negative effect on their mental health and the animals in their care. Others may be doing well but don’t have the capacity or expertise to maximise their impact.

“However, with the right support and guidance these organisations can make a real difference to the animals that need them and this is where we want to help.”

Image © Advovet

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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.