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Leading dog charities deeply concerned for dog laws
Battersea, RSPCA and The Blue Cross are concerned over the lack of Government action.


All three charities feel the current Government are all discursive talk but no action.  They are united in their criticism against the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for their lack of direct response or feedback. 

Earlier this month, the debate held in the House of Commons appeared promising however, little has been done despite the fact that 78% of respondents agreed dog legislation needed amendments. Furthermore, the debate saw a strikingly high 84% agree to seek compulsory micro-chipping for all pets, which would help all charities when faced with hundreds of stray or lost dogs.

Steve Goody, The Blue Cross Director of External Affairs stated: "Animal charities are struggling with huge numbers of unwanted dogs and cats, partly fuelled by irresponsible and indiscriminate breeding. The Blue Cross is calling on the Government to crack down on back-street breeding, and to promote neutering as widely as possible."

Evidently, the issue of dangerous dogs and irresponsible breeding will not be solved until the Government add more severity to their laws for dog breeding and general dog keeping.  As witnessed from their vigorous debates in Parliament, they have the will to make change, but seem to be lacking in will power.  Thus, Battersea, RSCPA, and The Blue Cross are forming a united front to urge the Government to be more pro-active as opposed to reactive, by making this social issue high priority.  Consequently, the Government and various public services (charities, the police and social services) can crack down on irresponsible breeding and care of dogs. 

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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.