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Abandoned New Year's Eve puppies in need of homes
Image: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Five puppies were abandoned at Battersea just hours before the dawn of 2013

The 12-week-old English Bull Terrier Cross pups were found in a small plastic box dumped outside Battersea's Old Windsor Centre. The five puppies were dirty and distressed, left with no food or water. Staff at Battersea quickly brought them into the warm and gave them food, water and a wash. They will need to stay at the centre for at least 7 days before they can be re-homed.

Centre Manager Kate Mughal says: “Given the timing we're worried they were bred as Christmas presents by someone looking to make a quick buck, but when they failed to sell they were disposed of. 


"Dumping animals without food or water near a busy main road could have disastrous consequences, but thankfully we found these pups quickly, and they’re now recovering from their ordeal."

For homes and rescue centres like Battersea, the festive season brings with it increased pressure on resources. Between Christmas day and New Year's Day, Battersea's three centres received 96 dogs and 52 cats. Of the 11 cats and 36 dogs that came to the Old Windsor centre alone, around half were strays.

The puppies have been festively named Midnight, Big Ben, Chimes, Bubbles and Fizz. The charity will be seeking caring new homes for them this year.

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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.