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Amanda Holden becomes Battersea Ambassador

Actress pledges continued support for world-famous charity

British actress Amanda Holden has become an Ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Owner of a Yorkie-Russell cross called Rudie and cat Muffy, Amanda visited the iconic south London rescue centre on Monday, 30 September.

She becomes Battersea’s fourth Ambassador, joining television personality Paul O’Grady OBE, international supermodel David Gandy and children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson.

Having previously hosted Battersea’s annual Collars and Coats Gala Ball, Amanda is a strong advocate for rescue dogs and cats and the work that Battersea does.

She will host the fundraiser again this year, alongside fellow Ambassador Paul O’Grady OBE, on Thursday, 7 November.

Amanda said: “I’ve always loved Battersea and have been a proud sponsor for many years. My visits to the Home remind me what a truly inspirational place it is.”

“To see how many abandoned and neglected dogs and cats find their way to Battersea every year and seeing the brilliant work that dedicated staff and volunteers do in caring for, and rehoming them is incredibly heart-warming.”

Battersea’s Chief Executive, Claire Horton, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Amanda as a Battersea Ambassador. Her continued support and her unquestionable love for animals makes her a perfect advocate for the Home.”

Amanda visits the Home whilst the charity remembers its pioneering founding lady, Mrs Mary Tealby, who established Britain’s first dogs home in 1860.

Amanda added: “It’s such a huge honour to be at the Home and to be asked to be an Ambassador. I want to do all that I can to ensure Mary Tealby’s vision of caring for stray dogs and cats is carried on into the future for another 153 years and more. Every dog and cat deserves to live in a warm, loving home.”

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

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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.