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RSPCA Primate Podcast
As the Government launches a new set of guidelines for people who keep primates, this month’s RSPCA wildlife podcast focuses on what that code means - and why it wants a ban on primates as pets.

RSPCA wildlife scientist Dr. Ros Clubb contributed to Defra’s new primate code and explains its purpose in the monthly feature. “Primates are intelligent, socially complex wild animals that can suffer greatly in captivity, but they currently have very little protection under UK law. It’s estimated there are around 5,000 kept privately in the UK, and whilst our calls for a ban have not yet been answered, this new code, if passed, is a step in the right direction.”

In December last year, Ros attended 10 Downing Street with the organisation Wild Futures to hand over a petition signed by more than 31,000 people calling for a ban on trade in pet primates and supported by over 360 eminent primatologists, conservationists and primate rescue organisations who are calling for a ban on the keeping of primate as pets.

Every month, scientists from the RSPCA’s wildlife department keep website visitors up to date with wild animal welfare issues. This month listeners will also get to hear about how the Society is helping animals in Haiti after the devastating earthquake, and the story of an owl spotted over five years after its rehabilitation and release from one of our wildlife centres.  

You can listen to the podcast by clicking here.

For more information on Defra’s code, please click here.

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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.