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Extraordinary animals honoured at awards
Image: Haatchi and owner Owen Howkins at Crufts
First British Animal Honours airs on ITV

The first-ever British Animal Honours aired on ITV on 18 April, celebrating the country's most outstanding animals, and the people and charities that work with them.

Hosted by Paul O'Grady, the programme saw the heroic, the funny and the cute from the animal world gathered together in front of a live audience.

The awards covered animals in military service, assistance animals and outstanding charity work. Nominees were largely suggested by the public, and the winners chosen by a jury of 30 animal experts, charities and celebrities.

The Braveheart Honour, which was presented by Harry Potter star Rupert Grint, was awarded to Anatolian shepherd Haatchi. After being rescued, Haatchi transformed the life of his young owner, who suffers from Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome, meaning his muscles are permanently tensed.

The Canine Commando Honour was awarded to Brin, the stray who survived capture by the Taliban and detected a bomb in Afghanistan, saving the lives of two British army officials.

Charities to be honoured included the International Otter Survival Fund, recognised for its conservation efforts, and the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS), who won Local Charity of the Year.

Virginia McKenna OBE, of the Born Free Foundation, was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution Honour, for her tireless work on the part of wildlife since founding the charity in 1984.

As well as honouring a range of other extraordinary animals and people, the ceremony included a performance from the National Theatre's War Horse, a dancing dog troupe led by Kennel Club trainer Gina Pink and a showcase from the South Wales Police Dog section.

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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.