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Charity issues car boot sale warning

Public urged not to buy pets from car boot sale traders

Animal charity FOUR PAWS has voiced concerns over puppies and kittens being sold at car boot sales and is urging members of the public not to buy them.



The charity has advised people who have seen pets for sale by car boot sale traders to contact their local authority with details including the location, time, how many animals are for sale and details of the seller.

FOUR PAWS has advised that potential owners visit a reputable animal shelter rather than choosing an unscrupulous breeder, warning of health and behavioural problems that are the result of irresponsible breeding.

Angelique Davies from FOUR PAWS urged would-be pet owners: "Please avoid buying puppies and kittens at all costs from car boot sales, newspapers and adverts online.

"You may think you are rescuing the animal from a hard life but all you will really be doing is fuelling the trade and causing more puppies and kittens to suffer in the future."

Image courtesy of Vier Pfoten, FOUR PAWS

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.