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Miniature piglet racing a hit!
Image - www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Specially bred pigs race after months of training

The introduction of miniature piglet racing at Pennywell Farm in Devon has proven to be a spectacular hit, and the inaugural race (held after months of training) saw 9 month-old Red Runt successfully negotiate the trials of Bacon Brook and the Trough to beat fellow miniature piglets Silk Purse, Pigarkel and Celestial Swine to first place.

Farmers Chris and Nicky Murray ran through a breeding programme spanning nine years and 24 generations to establish the Pennywell Miniature Pigs breed, which have been bred for small size and friendliness to the point where they are approximately one-fifth the size of a conventional piglet. The smallest pig bred thus far was named Tetley after it was discovered that he could fit into a teacup, although the average piglet only weighs in at 250g (8oz) at birth.

"The pigs have been hamming it up, the visitors have been all out in supporting them and it's odds on we have a classic activity in the making." said Mr Murray, who has been farming at Pennywell since 1988. The Pennywell 'Ham Stakes' will run daily at 2pm, and more information about the farm's opening times is available 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.

 

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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.