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Petition to reconsider electric shock ban
Couple urge Welsh government to lift ban on shock fences

A pet-owning couple are calling the Welsh government to amend its ban on electric shock fences, made illegal at the same time as electric shock collars.

The ban on both devices came into place in Wales in 2010, following controversy over using shocks to train animals. Anyone caught using such a fence or collar in the country can now be fined up to £20,000 or jailed for up to six months.

Campaigners Monima and Martyn O'Connor said they support the collar ban, however, they believe pet owners should still be allowed to install the fences, which send a shock to animals if they get too close to a boundary.

Mrs O'Connor took an interest in the use of the invisible fences last year, after two of her cats died outside her home in road traffic accidents.

Her husband, while adding that the shocks are mild, said animals soon learn not to approach the boundary.

"Nobody really considers it to be dangerous or harmful to pets in any way and it's certainly not as intensive as livestock fencing," he commented.

The couple have submitted a petition to the Welsh government that holds 500 signatures.

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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.