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Rising Numbers of Abandoned Kittens
The Blue Cross is warning of a kitten crisis across the UK as it reported a nearly 20% rise in the number being given up or abandoned over the last two years.

456 kittens were given up from January to June 2008 compared to 542 this year.

The charity’s eleven animal adoption centres nationwide are currently inundated with over 200 unwanted kittens, with many more waiting to be taken in when there is space.  But supply is exceeding demand and there simply aren’t enough homes coming forward.

The charity is urging people never to dump animals after reporting an increase in boxes of kittens being abandoned outside centres. Two separate incidents occurred within one week at The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Cambridge last month during particularly hot weather, with the kittens inside left hungry, overheated and traumatised.

Blue Cross vet nurse Tamsin Durston added: “We’re facing a kitten crisis across the country so it’s vital that people neuter their cats now to prevent the problem getting any worse.  It’s far better to pay a small one-off amount for neutering than face the much larger ongoing costs of caring for whole litters of kittens, when homes can’t be found.”

The Blue Cross offers subsidised neutering for the pets of people on low incomes at its animal hospitals and clinics across the UK, funded entirely by public donations. To be eligible, clients must be in receipt of means tested benefits or a state pension.

To find out more about the neutering scheme or make a donation to The Blue Cross, visit the charity’s website by clicking here.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.