August 2019

Puppy trade reports soar by 390%

Data shows 2018 was the worst yet for complaints about the puppy trade in England to the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency hotline.

5 mins

July 2019

First female to lead Veterinary Schools Council announced

New chairman of VSC pledges to ensure graduate outcomes are appropriate to today’s workplace.

5 mins
Supervet behind bars to highlight puppy farm problems

Noel Fitzpatrick has been pictured in a cage as he seeks to raise awareness about the welfare issues surrounding some commercial puppy breeding operations.

5 mins
Joint venture partners in ‘£1m’ Medivet fee challenge

Practice partners – understood to represent 43 individual practices across the UK – have put their names to a claim against Medivet.

6 mins
New RCVS president calls for profession to embrace diversity

During his inaugural speech at RCVS Royal College Day, Dr Connell voiced a desire to build bridges and improve access during his year in office.

4 mins
Telemedicine questions row sparks RCVS council EGM call

At its annual meeting, the RCVS took the unprecedented step of addressing “multiple communiques” on the telemedicine topic, as well as answering questions from the floor on the day.

6 mins
BVA calls on Theresa Villiers to concentrate on key points

New legislation on animal sentience and ensuring a strong veterinary workforce must be priorities for new secretary of state - BVA.

5 mins
Use of wild animals in travelling circuses banned in England

Following more than 20 years of campaigning by animal rights groups, the Wild Animals in Circuses (No. 2) Bill has passed its third, and final, reading in the House of Lords.

5 mins
RAW reports best campaign ever

Rabbit Awareness Week 2019 has been described as the most successful campaign ever following a 55% increase in vaccinations for rabbit vital haemorrhagic disease type 2.

5 mins
New short-muzzled dog data released

Study shows owners of short-muzzled dogs have particularly strong bonds with their pets, but are unaware of health issues.

5 mins
Fall in adverse drug events year-on-year – VMD report

Most of the reports received described events that occurred in animals during or after the use of authorised veterinary or human medicines, and many involved the use of multiple medicines.

4 mins
Third-party puppy sales in Wales to be banned

It is hoped the ban will improve animal welfare conditions and help the public to make more informed choices when buying a pet.

3 mins
Fall in laboratory animal numbers

Figures fall according to Home Office statistics, but there were still more than 3.52 million scientific procedures involving animals last year.

5 mins
Dogs most likely to receive pet therapy named

Working canine breeds head the list of animals requiring therapy based on insurance claim data.

4 mins
Daring duo prepare for coast-to-coast walk

Sanctuary Vets’ Joanne Zeman and Malue Schroder are hoping to raise more than £1,000 for Blue Cross by walking 100km in 24 hours.

4 mins
BVA launches 2019 photography competition

Association members are being urged to dig out their best snaps for the fourth annual photographer of the year contest.

3 mins
Feel-good factor for Wylie Wellness Centre

Guests enjoyed the opening of a new wellness centre in Brentwood that has been established to provide a focus on preventive pet health and well-being.

5 mins
Report – obesity on rise in UK companion animals

According to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association’s latest obesity report, 51% of dogs, 44% of cats and 29% of small mammals are overweight or obese.

4 mins
‘Shocking’ extent of lop ear rabbit health shown by RVC

Researchers studied 15 lop-eared and 15 erect-eared rabbits and found breed characteristics of lop-eared rabbits make them typically more prone to health issues, such as narrowed ear canals.

4 mins
Animal charity in monsoon crisis

Tree of Life for Animals launches fund-raising appeal after being hit by devastating monsoon floods.

5 mins