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Horse Tax Bill Opposition
Over 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing the proposals to introduce a tax on horse owners.
 The draft Animal Health Bill has drawn criticism from the horse sector regarding the introduction of a new tax on horse owners.

Over 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing the proposals to introduce a tax on horse owners. Campaigners have been logging on to the 10 Downing Street website since September to have their say on the proposals.

The British Horse Industry Confederation has explicitly expressed their concern. One spokesperson, Tim Morris said: “The horse sector has said it will work with the government to achieve the benefits of reduced risk of disease and enhanced animal welfare. The horse sector has a long history of already sharing responsibly and costs for disease with Defra, and unlike farmers the horse sector was only notified of these radical changes less than a year ago. But all we are seeing is the extra cost and complexity of an expensive new quango, which will be an unnecessary burden to both the taxpayer and horse owner, with none of these benefits.”

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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.

 

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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.