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More Owners Abandoning Pregnant Dogs
The number of pregnant dogs abandoned by their owners is on the rise.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has revealed that more pregnant dogs are abandoned by owners who have failed to get their dogs neutered.

The number of births at the three South London sites is five times as high as this time last year, with 32 puppies born in Battersea's care compared to only six for the same period in 2010.

While it is often easy to rehome new puppies, Battersea is concerned that pet owners are failing to grasp the consequences of not getting their dog neutered until it is too late.

Battersea's Head of Animal Services Laura Jenkins said: "We believe that the number of unwanted animals coming through the Home's doors would be significantly reduced if more people took the responsible decision to neuter their pets."

Laura Jenkins added: "It's a common misconception that neutering is cruel as it actually has significant health benefits including reducing the risk of womb infection and tumours in both cats and dogs."

Battersea advises that owners must be urged to neuter their pets, to help prevent owners who cannot cope with unwanted puppies, abandoning their 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. 

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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.