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James Herriot of Helmand
Captain Malone has the nickname of the James Herriot of Helmand.
In war-torn Helmand Province a British vet is working with Afghan farmers to improve the health of their livestock and quality of life. This documentary makes for inspiring viewing…

Following a phone call from Major Paul Smith in Afghanistan, the Country Channel was given special access to footage of Army vet Captain Miles Malone, a vet posted to Helmand Province to provide veterinary services for the working dogs operating in the area. Captain Malone and other colleagues are currently developing veterinary clinics and a vaccination programme to help local farmers and shepherds improve the health of their livestock.

The pioneering new vet clinic, which operates in desert communities and villages, offers local farmers and shepherds the opportunity to vaccinate their animals, which has positive outcomes not just for the livestock, but also for the community as a whole.  It’s a practical and sure fire way of winning the hearts and minds battle with Afghans.

Nicknamed the James Herriot of Helmand, Captain Malone is clearly passionate about the project and is enthused by its success: “In two and a half months this is my third trip out to treat the local livestock, he told the Country Channel. “What we are doing directly improves the quality of the milk, and meat that animals are providing. Improving the village farmers’ diet and standard of living has a bearing on their own health and that of their community.”

Watch the short documentary film, ‘The Right Approach’, online via The Country Channel. The film will also be broadcast on Sky Channel 171 later in the spring – a longer feature film is in the pipeline…

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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.