Members of the Justice for Pets Action Group believe current disciplinary procedures do not properly challenge poor behaviour and misconduct by clinicians when it occurs.

College leaders say the Inverness facility, which has been opened by the Princess Royal, will also play a key role in educating some of the country’s future vets.

An online fund-raising push has been launched to support the initiative, which officials say has already provided more than 42,000 pet meals this year alone.

Two wildlife groups have hinted they could take proceedings over new proposals for bTB control in England, including the provision for further culling.

Tougher rules on the keeping of these animals in England were supported at the Manchester event, although questions were raised on whether similar standards could be applied to other species.

The ‘Born To Suffer’ initiative has been launched by the RSPCA to raise public awareness of the health issues faced by several popular breeds.

But a presentation to the BSAVA Congress in Manchester also heard fears that providers could potentially be accused of wrongdoing without even knowing about it.

Practices are also being urged to move quickly if they have “appropriate and eligible” candidates for roles before the process of implementing the new regulations begins next month.

Organisers of the 2023 Antibiotic Amnesty say they are ‘delighted’ with the results of the latest campaign as they hope to encourage even greater participation later this year.

The new proposals, which are intended to follow on from the current intensive culling activity that is due to end in early 2026, were outlined in a 40-page document published on 14 March.

Simon Doherty said the new Moredun Foundation body will strengthen links between farmers and vets across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Christine Middlemiss told MPs that part of the APHA headquarters may need to be shut down for repairs because of a lack of investment.

The plea from Blue Cross comes as it reports a 4,000% jump in practices seeking financial help for clients.

Officials say new rules coming into force this autumn will identify all bird keepers in areas affected by disease and improve surveillance.

The association has worked with the Brooke charity on the document, which will be unveiled at a webinar on 26 March.

Competition and Markets Authority finds that, out of 2,831 postcode districts across the UK, 1,134 – or 40.06% of the total – could have competition issues.

Researchers say their analysis endorses the belief of many vets that operations offer better solutions than non-surgical alternatives.

The Government pledged to do “all we can” to enable tougher import measures to be introduced after a House of Commons debate today.

Senior figures in the profession have welcomed Defra’s decision to allow the owners of younger and exempted XL bully dogs more time to have them neutered following the ban.

Plans to assess the veterinary sector’s current legislation as part of the investigation of household pet services have been widely supported within the professions.

RVC researchers say their work with Cornell University found significantly higher levels of key indicators in cases of MLPL than in an adult control group.

Veterinary organisations and companies have given a mixed reaction to the plans for a market investigation by the CMA, but there is broad concern about the likely impact on staff.

Almost 27,000 dogs were vaccinated during a week-long project in Mumbai as officials hope to keep up the momentum towards eradicating the disease completely.