“It appears that this is becoming an increasing problem and needs addressing to prevent further attacks” – Andrew Parker, SPVS senior vice-president.

Chris Tufnell said increasing clinical workloads and staffing pressures are behind the decision to give up the role he was elected into two years ago.

An MSP who wants the sport banned claims current laws have failed to properly protect racing dogs, though the sport’s governors claim a ban will only increase the risks.

“Pet owners will also be upset to learn that they are accidentally polluting our rivers by using these products” – research supervisor Dave Goulson.

Update issued on the breed type involved in a fatal attack on an elderly woman in the county last weekend, following extensive examinations.

Representative of the welfare charity took their call for new laws to the Welsh parliament in Cardiff.

Future medicine supplies, work to eradicate bTB and animal welfare policy reform are among the priorities outlined following the restoration of the Stormont executive.

A senior VMD leader said the agency will need to be ”ready” to respond to pharmaceutical developments as the number of animals infected in the present outbreak rose to 85.

Proposed new measures will provide greater protections for farmed animals, says association president.

Bosses say the new facility will play a key role in training once a new course for VNs gets underway.

More needs to be done to explain the wider benefits of veterinary and animal wellness sector work, an industry forum was told.

Discussion, held as part of the annual SPVS Congress in Birmingham, also heard calls for the development of a framework to aid appropriate deployment of the technology.

Rising costs and new work streams have been highlighted as reasons for the proposal, which is currently awaiting final Government backing.

Duncan Phillips said regulation of the professions, together with ministerial attitudes towards it, have “simply not kept pace” with the rate of their transformation.

“Government has listened and responded to stakeholder concerns”, says NOAH chief executive.

Patients are expected at the new London Vet Specialists site in Hammersmith this summer as bosses say they are already expanding their team ahead of the move.

The BVA has described the move as “an important step”, despite pressure from unionist politicians for even more dramatic steps.

Initial restrictions on the controversial type are set to come into force later this month, but an ownership ban is not planned until the end of July.

Officials say the cattle are being kept at their present locations, with further mitigation measures in place, while reduced midge activity has reduced the risk of further transmission.

Henlow Veterinary Centre bosses said it was “shocked” and “thrilled” by its success at the society’s annual congress, and hopes its story can now help others.

Trust leaders hope public support for their latest petition can force a change in approach, despite Defra’s insistence that the controversial programme will continue.

Number of exemption certificates issued could outnumber euthanasia compensation claims by as many as 300 to one ahead of registration deadline at noon tomorrow (31 January).

A range of challenges are being planned by the charity ahead of a major celebration event this autumn.

Leading industry figures also tell Parliamentary inquiry that action is needed “sooner rather than later”, amid concerns about a current lack of political engagement.

Vets and owners are being urged to move quickly as a new scheme to offer financial assistance towards neutering costs opens next week.