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RSPCA launches horse foster homes appeal
Emergency appeal to find foster homes for young horses

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has launched an emergency appeal to find foster homes for approximately 270 young horses which are too young to be safely ridden after a sharp rise in the number of cases requiring their attention. The RSPCA is currently caring for 600 horses and ponies which have suffered from cruelty or neglect, which is double the total number of horses in its care during April 2011.

Commenting, Equine Rehoming Officer Sally Learoyd said “I’ve heard of young horses being sold for £5 – less than the price of a bottle of wine. I’ve heard of horses being bought and sold in pubs and we’ve come across a case of someone keeping a horse on a tower block balcony and feeding it on kitchen scraps. We have a never-ending tide of young horses coming into our centres. Fostering our youngsters is a way that horse lovers can help us with this problem.”

Potential foster carers need to have experience of grazing and handling horses, and must be in a position to take a young horse in for a minimum period of six months. An application form can be found at the appeal's website here or can be requested by ringing 0300 123 8000.

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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.